I applaud Melissa Harris-Perry on writing such an eloquent, honest letter. I appreciate her humility in saying that there may be ego involved, but ultimately it is about respect, merit, and simply doing the right thing. One of my favorite quotes by Audre Lorde sums it up: “When we speak we are afraid our words will not be heard or welcomed. But when we are silent, we are still afraid. So it is better to speak.”