ANA MARIA ARCHILA + MARIA GALLAGHER

HOW DEMOCRACY WORKS

Ana Maria Archila and Maria Gallagher. Two women, advocates and protestors, confronted Sen. Jeff Flake in a Senate elevator and yelled at him for five minutes with cameras rolling after they learned he would vote for Kavanaugh. Click here if you missed it.

“I need to go, I need to go to the hearing,” Mr. Flake told Ms. Archila, 39, in the widely shared video of the moment.

Ms. Archila persisted. “I told it because I recognized in Dr. Ford’s story that she is telling the truth,” she said, her voice breaking. “What you are doing is allowing someone who actually violated a woman to sit on the Supreme Court. This is not tolerable. You have children in your family. Think about them.”  NYT.

It was amazing. I really think another man might have pushed his way out but he did not. The camera was rolling and captured the whole exchange. It was cringe-worthy television knowing it was live. It was painful, messy and moving. Shortly after that, he finally made his way to the hearing room and took his seat. Then his good friend, Democratic Senator Chris Coons made an impassioned speech about the need for an FBI investigation. Within moments as the hearing continued, Flake got up, went over to Coons and both left the room for a brief conference. Meanwhile Grassley is motioning it's time to vote. No Coons, no Flake, no vote. We all knew something was up. When they returned, Flake spoke - I am moving to advance the nomination to the Senate floor with the caveat "....I will not vote unless there is an FBI investigation lasting up to one week." WOW. 

He was asked by reporters if the women influenced his decision. "No, it was about having integrity for the process. This is tearing the country apart."  I am paraphrasing. I saw the whole thing. He looked visibly pained. No matter what he said, I thought well you can say that but I think on some level those women moved him to change his position. 

Maria Gallagher is 23 years old. She had never spoken to an elected official in her life ! On her first try she batted it out of the park ! Those two women made a difference because they spoke up about their experience. A traumatizing experience. I really admire them. Very brave.....

DR. CHRISTINE BLASEY FORD - COURAGEOUS

I've written several posts on the Kavanaugh hearings out of anger at old, white male privilege and how it disregards and dismisses female voices. If a woman had behaved how Kavanaugh 'acted out' during those hearings, i.e. cried and yelled at Democratic Senators so disrespectfully and arrogantly, she would have been escorted out of the room and labelled 'a hysterical woman.' Oh god, the gender bias was on display for all to see.

So, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford.....it was really hard for me to look at her and listen to her as she talked about the sexual assault and her PTSD symptoms. I had to keep moving around and tears welled up. I couldn't help it. Her lower lip was trembling and so was mine. Later I heard lots of other people cried too. Although I am not a victime/survivor of sexual assault, I am a survivor of physical and mental abuse as a child. I am left with PTSD and certain triggers. Dr. Ford's story was a trigger. I could relate.

Calm, measured, quiet, in control; a college professor who could answer the question of how she was 100% sure her attacker was Brett Kavanaugh. Very calmly, she answered Diane Feinstein:"memories are stored in the hippocampus; the memories are seared into my brain." Omg, the woman has a PhD in Research Psychology. She not only can tell you her memories, she can tell you why she has them !!!! A little tutorial in PTSD. The woman shined a spotlight on PTSD and how the brain works. She is a research scientist ! I was stunned at her knowledge. I thought there should have been a handout given to all the Senators on PTSD and the brain. A good teaching moment for the damage caused by assault, especially at a young age - 15. No you do not forget. You cannot forget. Dr. Ford told us why.

Again, I was struck by what sent her and her husband to counseling. They were remodeling their home and she wanted TWO FRONT DOORS ! I get it. She needs two front doors to feel SAFE. (As an aside, renovation and building projects are so stressful, that often couples wind up getting divorced before the remodel or new construction is finished - Fun Architecture Fact)

I have two doors leading into my bedroom. One from the hallway near the front door and one leading into the kitchen. My bed is set up on the opposite wall so I can see the two doorways - there is NO WAY I could place my bed against the wall near the phone jack (I have a landline!). I would not be able to see 'if anyone is coming'. I would not feel safe.

She was extraordinarily credible to me. What she said made sense.

I BELIEVE HER.

#JEFF FLAKE - RAY OF HOPE (?) - HIT PAUSE

My head is spinning. Democracy in action is a very messy, fluid, sometimes confusing process. I was watching the Judiciary Committee hearings where a vote was expected to advance Kavanaugh to the Senate for a full vote. Before Grassley called for a vote, in the eleventh hour, suddenly - no vote was taken while Sen. Jeff Flake (R), Sen.Coons (D) and some others huddled in a meeting. When they finally took their seats, Sen. Flake announced he is calling to advance Kavanaugh to the Senate with the caveat that there should be a one week delay for an FBI investigation 'no longer than one week.' WOW. A bi-partisan decision.....something we haven't seen in a long, long time. Sen. Joe Manchin (D) and Lisa Murkowski (R) also agreed with him. It's worth noting, Sen. Diane Feinstein said "What?" when Grassley gaveled the end of the meeting due to the "two hour rule." Even Feinstein didn't understand what had just happened and neither did I !! Who knew about the '2 hour rule.'

Jon Meacham, presidential historian called it a 'ray of light at the end of the tunnel. Jefferson said 'you should follow the truth wherever it may lead. " He called Sen. Coons, the 'Henry Kissinger' of the committee and Sen. Jeff Flake, 'the conscience' of the committee.

Deep breath. Like baseball, in politics, you never know what is going to happen...

ADDENDUM:
Our reality TV prez agreed to have a 'supplemental investigation' lasting under a week. Sounds like 'political cover' rather than genuine 'search for truth.' Sen. Flake stated he wanted the 'process' not to be tainted which it would be by not having the FBI investigation. He said that was the reason for his request for a delay, not that he was accosted in an elevator by two women who yelled at him about their sexual assaults and the lack of being heard or believed. I saw that. It was very moving. One of the women was crying while she yelled at him. He looked pained rather than dismissive as most of the other Republican men act.

#METOO has not reached the GOP old, white, mens club......YET.....

#KAVANAUGH HEARINGS/ENRAGED

I feel nauseated and drained from watching the Judiciary Committee hearings yesterday. Newsflash: White male patriarchy is still alive and well in America. Nevertheless, I see the privileged, white male boys' club that passes for the Republican Party as Dead Men Walking. They know it too; that is why they are holding tightly to their current Power with their cold, dead hands. Those men on the Judiciary Committee are obviously used to telling everybody what to do, especially WOMEN. So in the last gasp of white male privileged power, they are 'plowing through' (Mitch McConnell) with no FBI investigation and telling American women - "We do not care about you and yes, we will continue to have the right to tell you what you can and cannot do with your bodies, i.e. Abortion and Birth Control." This makes me furious ! Who do they think they are ????!!!! Kamala Harris questioned Kavanaugh re. if he knew of any legislation pending re. what men can and cannot do with their bodies." I love her for asking that question.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar: Kavanaugh was so rude, arrogant and disrespectful while answering her questions I could not believe it !!! She asked him about his drinking and he didn't like it. Instead of answering her he shot the question back at her ! "Do YOU enjoy drinking a beer ?" WHAT ?!?! She responded cordially, following Roberts Rules of Order. He responded with arrogance, sneering, hostility - you could see how viscerally uncomfortable he felt - he could not stand being questioned about his drinking, especially by a WOMAN !! If I was Amy Klobuchar I would not have been as cordial; I would have said, "Excuse me Mr. Kavanaugh, I AM THE ONE ASKING THE QUESTIONS, NOT YOU ! (And maybe, Shut Up ! Sen. Maisie Hirono actually told the men of America to Shut Up and Step Up. I love her too !)

We saw a different Brett Kavanaugh yesterday than the one in the previous hearings. Clearly he could not stand being on the hotseat. His mask slipped. I saw a mean, abusive alcoholic. Also, his playbook was 'the best Defense is a good Offense. Oh yeah, he came off angry and tearful. Tearful ! That's rich. Why was Brett Kavanaugh crying ? Not for Dr. Ford. HE WAS CRYING FOR HIMSELF and his ruined career and reputation going down in flames. Boo hoo.

Presidential Historian John Meacham said on MSNBC that the Democrats will pursue the sexual assault charges beyond a vote to confirm him. Good. I do wonder why neither of the two other women who came forward did not file a police report in Montgomery County, Maryland where there is no Statute of Limitations on sexual assault charges.

Confirmation of Kavanaugh is going to turn back the clock on womens' rights, indigenous peoples' rights, (Native Alaskans, Native Hawaiians) people of color's rights and healthcare, especially for women. This country is now for the 1% and only the 1%. Young people - get to work !

ADDENDUM:
Finally, Judge Kavanaugh, imho should not be on the SCOTUS  due to his partisan outburst/rant - "It's a vast left wing conspiracy to smear HIM for revenge about the Clintons !" Well, tell us what you really think ! After his partisan histrionics, he should not be confirmed. Who could get a fair and impartial ruling from him? His mask was exposed. Questions are raised about his 'temperment and neutrality' - not a suitable candidate.

#REJECT KAVANAUGH

POLITICO ✔ @politico

Sexual assault survivors and allies gathered to protest Judge Kavanaugh's confirmation after a second woman alleges he assaulted her decades ago.

Many held signs saying "Vote no or we'll fund your opponent" to pressure GOP moderate Susan Collins, who's now undecided.

12:26 PM - Sep 24, 2018

 

To see more Hart Senate Office building protests on Twitter, click here.
 

Hundreds of women, survivors and allies from across country are gathered in the Hart Senate atrium in silent protest. #WeBelieveChristine demand that Senators reject Kavanaugh’s nomination now. We are headed to @SenatorCollins office in civil disobedience.

The MILLER REPORT SAYS: 

We/Women are having a moment in America re. WOMEN AND SEXUAL ASSAULT in the context of confirming a Supreme Court nominee, one Brett Kavanaugh who, so far, has been accused of two sexual assaults by two different women. 

I watched the Hearings. Eleven old, white Republican men vs. the Dems who do have women and people of color on the Judiciary Committee. I love Maisie Hirono and Kamala Harris. Strong, very strong women. The Republicans have not changed since the Anita Hill hearings in 1991. Some of the same men are still on the Judiciary committee today and have NOT changed their tune. The look on their faces shows how they are used to telling everybody else what to do and what not to do, especially WOMEN. The fact that these men think they have the right to tell women what we can and cannot do with our bodies is UNACCEPTABLE. IT HAS TO STOP ! 

What a news day. Rod Rosenstein was summoned to the White House regarding an article in the New York Times that he suggested wearing a wire to tape Trump. Now we hear that he will have a meeting with Trump on Thursday. Isn't that interesting; the same day that the Judiciary Committee is having a hearing on Brett Kavanaugh and his accuser, Dr. Ford. Trump should be called THE DISTRACTOR IN-CHIEF. 

MSNBC is not covering the massive protests going on outside the office of Susan Collins and there will be more to follow.
#KavenaughHearings 
 

#BelieveSurvivors

#WomensMarch

#CancelKavanaugh

ROSH HASHANAH 5779

Leshanah tovah tikateiv veteichateim, "May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year." Another year has passed. Hard to believe.  I watched Rosh Hashanah services on the Jewish Broadcasting Service, jbstv.org, streaming live from the Central Synagogue in Manhattan. Although there is a synagogue right next door to me it is very crowded. I sent out some Rosh Hashanah e-cards and did hear back from Bernice. Laurie sent me this colorful apple jig saw e-card. Thinking of Michael and Shirley and Roby and aunt Ruth......and Bubbe and Zaidy.....Haven't heard from Ken.
Good Year = שנה תובה
The Central Synagogue is Reform. I've never seen a man on the bimah playing a banjo telling the story of the binding of Isaac, traditionally read on Rosh Hashanah......this is absolutely not the Woodrow Avenue Shul in Dorchester...lol. The Central Synagogue is doing Taschlich at the East River - casting bread crumbs upon the water representing our 'sins' from the previous year.

I heard the Shofar blasts virtually this year. The plan is to go to TBZ next door tomorrow where they blow the shofars at the four cardinal points, N S E W. Hearing the blasts from four shofars is the loudest wake-up call I ever heard.

LABOR DAY WEEKEND

Last week I watched all the coverage on John McCain. I meant to send him a thank you note when he voted thumbs down on killing Obamacare. The only Republican to do so. An honorable man. An imperfect man. Another distinguishing feature was his ability to say "I was wrong." He even said that after the Iraq war. And finally, he managed to shame the current occupant of the White House more in death than he could in life. He choreographed his entire week long memorial send off. Almost every day last week, we did not have to hear from the current White House Occupant. What a relief; we could hear about John McCain who wanted Joe Lieberman as his running mate, an unheard of match, a Republican and an Independent. He even said he was wrong to have Sarah Palin as his running mate. And the current Occupant was not invited ! I love it ! I guess he really deserved the term 'maverick' -  a rebel.

It was a long, hot summer. The hottest summer I've ever experienced in Boston. Not fun. Even today there is a heat advisory. "Stay indoors." I spent the summer working on getting a headstone for Shirley. Many trips to the monument company and the cemetery. Here is version 1. It will be changed to having her name be on two lines so it is bigger, more bold, like her !

IDENTITY

Going to the DMV is never good, always anxiety inducing and frustrating. This year it is a nightmare for me. My license will expire on my birthday, September 17th. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has recently made changes to Drivers License Renewal. You need to bring a Birth Certificate. My birth certificate says Carol S. Silverman; because I was adopted by Julius Silverman in 1965. I have the Certificate of Adoption. Shirley said, "I don't want 2 names on the mailbox. I was not consulted.

While living in California I needed a California drivers license. I walked into the DMV in Oakland, Ca and said to the woman behind the counter, " I need a California drivers license. My name has changed." Then I waited to hear what she would say. I had no documentation. I did not get married or divorced. So I didn't know how far I would get. She said, "We'll call you anything you want honey." True story. None of the Silvermans were talking to me, Barry and Julius. I was in touch with Shirley the whole time I was out there. I have lots of her letters written in her perfect penmanship with purple ink. So I went back to Miller, the name I was born with and vowed never to change it again even if I did get married ! Ok, fast forward - 2018. Now I still don't  have correct documentation to renew my license.

I was told I would have to go through a legal name change through the courts. Yucck. I started that process but it is not finished now. Meantime I cannot let my license expire. I will go to the DMV with the documentation I have including the Certificate of Adoption. That's what I was advised to do.

At this point I decided if the DMV refuses to give me a license in the name of Miller I will get it in the name of Silverman.......and go back to Carol S. Silverman......again. Identity is very fluid.

This story reminds me of the the precedent set by Ellen - she changed her name to Chanel while living in the Pacific Northwest. She changed it back to Ellen when she moved back to Hollywood, Florida.