Unions, Equality, and Kamala: Why This Election Matters to Me

Pro-Union, Pro-Choice, Pro-Kamala

Amid the excitement of having the first woman of color at the top of the ticket for a major political party, I can’t help but feel optimistic about the future. What makes this even more meaningful is, that I am the father of four beautiful daughters, a bona fide proud #GirlDad. Let me be clear; I never doubted their capabilities. Now, I feel a renewed sense of assurance that we are one step closer to my girls having opportunities they could only dream about not that long ago. We are on the precipice of history… a moment where prospects that seemed unattainable are more possible than ever before.

Before I continue, let’s get something out of the way: I’m a fifth-generation railroader and a lifelong proud union member. So, if you happen to be someone opposed to either, keep on scrolling. I assure you, no offense taken. Respect will beget respect. If my insight inspires you to respond, I encourage you to opine on your platforms. I’m sure your followers will welcome your feedback!

If you’ve gotten this far, I appreciate your interest and believe that we share something in common; we’ve witnessed the contentious (and often inaccurate back-and-forth about who Kamala Harris is. I scroll through my social media feeds late at night, and observe an endless stream of judgments. I’m amused by how much effort some folks put into convincing people like me that we should not vote for this woman.

What stands out the most is the claim that she is not “qualified.”

That’s laughable.

Consider her educational background: She graduated in 1986 with a degree in Political Science and Economics from Howard University, a historically Black university in Washington, D.C. She later attended the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, where she served as chapter president of the Black Law Students Association. By the way, If anyone is looking for confirmation that she is indeed, a black woman (besides looking at her and oh, knowing who her father is), the aforementioned CV, should assuage any doubts. But I digress. As she continued her distinguished academic journey, Kamala earned her Juris Doctor in 1989.

All this to say, to those who question her qualifications…how?? Especially when compared to someone with considerably less experience.

Take, for example, Rifle, Colorado Representative Lauren Boebert, a high school dropout who criticized Kamala Harris on social media moments before entering a courtroom to sit in on her son’s ongoing criminal trial. I’m not taking potshots at anyone who didn’t finish high school. What I am doing is putting this woman’s criticism in perspective. Ultimately, consider the source. Who are you, to slander anyone, when your “qualifications” do not measure up? Not to mention, judging by what’s happening in her personal life, all her attention should be trained on home base, not foraging in someone else’s backyard trying to dig up unsubstantiated critiques.

The old saying, “sweep around your own front door,” comes to mind.

Vice President Harris’ career remained on an upward trajectory.

In 1990, she was hired as a deputy district attorney in Alameda County, California, where she was described as “an able prosecutor on the way up.” In 1994, Speaker of the California Assembly Willie Brown (who was dating Harris) appointed her to the state Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board and later to the California Medical Assistance Commission. By 1998, she was recruited by San Francisco District Attorney Terence Hallinan as an assistant district attorney, where she became the chief of the Career Criminal Division, prosecuting homicide, burglary, robbery, and sexual assault cases, particularly three-strikes cases.

In 2002, Harris ran a forceful campaign for District Attorney of San Francisco and won the election with 56% of the vote, becoming the first person of color elected to this position. She ran unopposed for a second term in 2007, and during her tenure, she cleared 27 of 74 backlogged homicide cases in just the first six months. She also pushed for higher bail for criminal defendants involved in gun-related crimes, tightened legal loopholes, and created a Hate Crimes Unit focused on crimes against LGBTQ+ youth.

Harris’s record is one of action and results. She established the San Francisco Reentry Division, which significantly reduced recidivism rates, and led a citywide effort to combat truancy among at-risk elementary school students, demonstrating her commitment to public safety and education.

Our future President’s extensive experience and proven track record speak volumes. It’s clear that she has spent her career working to make a difference in her community and the country.

The second point of contention I read about constantly, is her policies. I engage in spirited discussions about this daily with friends. Before I delve into that, I must acknowledge that I have friends from all walks of life that I speak to daily about various topics, including politics.

To clarify further, not everyone is a “friend.” Some are conditional associates. The term “friend” can sometimes be used too loosely. In the following scenario, I am referencing a true friend (whose name I will omit out of respect for his anonymity).

He and I are both from Jacksonville, Texas, a place we both hold dear. We share similar principles because we were raised with parallel values. Suffice it to say, we both want the same thing for America: to move forward. We just have two totally different viewpoints on achieving that end. We express differing opinions, argue our points of view, and still leave a conversation with mutual respect, all while reminiscing about those late nights as teenagers in our hometown closing out Sonic after working our shifts. He actually hates unions. Well, I love them. He’s not fond of immigrants. I remind him often that my wife (who he loves) has parents who are immigrants. He says Democrats are the party that didn’t want to end slavery. I retort neither party wanted to. Lol. He maintains the people who attacked the Capitol on January 6th were “set up by lawmakers who unlocked the doors to let rioters in.” I say that may be, but if that is indeed the case, those lawmakers should be in jail too.

This is our daily exchange. It’s all in fun and love. But we get into the issues, discuss policies, and most days, agree to disagree. However, I never miss an opportunity to inform him of the policies that underscore my support of Kamala. I hope he’s reading this, because he can attest to the fact that I am a staunch proponent of the following:

I’m pro-choice because I have daughters and granddaughters who shouldn’t be held to the same male-favored laws that my grandmother had to endure. Don’t get me wrong — I’m not out here campaigning for abortions, and I don’t personally know anyone who is. However, I believe that it’s not my decision to make.

In my latest novel, Why Sell Lies When the Truth Is Free, part of the story explores the internal conflict of the main character, Martin, a pro-life politician whose beliefs are put to the test when his wife, a sexual assault survivor, becomes pregnant. Readers have shared, “What truly sets this book apart is its exploration of the human spirit. The characters are complex and flawed, yet they are also resilient and capable of great love and sacrifice.” Another said, “It challenges you to think about what you would do in Martin’s shoes, making you confront your own principles along the way. Definitely a book that doesn’t just entertain but also provokes a lot of soul searching.”

When I was interviewed by my hometown paper, the interviewer mentioned that, given that scenario, anyone might reconsider their stance or at least think differently. At that moment, I considered the book a success. That’s the point of my writing, not to change your mind, but to encourage you to consider others before criticizing them.

Of course, I’m a proud pro-union man. As I mentioned earlier, I’m a fifth-generation railroader who loves the industry and takes it very seriously. I know firsthand the impact the railroad has on the American and global economy. So, when the derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, occurred in 2023, I immediately told my wife what had likely happened. The Trump administration in 2017 repealed an Obama-era rule that would have required ECP brakes on “high hazard” trains carrying flammable hazardous materials. Some may argue that this had no effect on why the derailment happened, but I say, ask railroaders, not lawmakers.

Rail safety is one of the few issues where both unions and carriers usually find common ground. However, the difference between the two emerges when money is on the table. Vice President Harris is a strong advocate for two-person crews, which has been a safety issue volleyed back and forth between carriers and unions for quite some time. Now, imagine that same derailment with only one crewmember on board to notify officials in your local town.

Those are the main reasons I support Vice President Harris. I vote proudly as a union member, and I trust that everything else will fall into place.

I understand (and respect) that there are other pressing issues many consider more important, like the economy, the southern border, and of course, the Middle East. Recently, I came across a post on someone’s Facebook page that read, “Imagine campaigning to fix all of the problems you (referring to Kamala Harris) and your party created in the first place.” I thought to myself, imagine being the “party of law and order” and having a convicted felon at the top of your ticket. I chose not to write that on her post because, quite frankly, I liken a person’s social media page to their front yard; whatever “sign” you choose to display is your business. After all, it’s your property (at the very least you are leasing it from Musk or Zuckerberg). Taking this metaphor a bit further, no one (except maybe your HOA) has the right to move it, take it down, or tell you what they don’t like about it. Share what is important to you, but respect what others deem important to them.

As a father, I’m proud to support a candidate like Kamala Harris, who not only continues to shatter glass ceilings but also embodies the values of hard work, dedication, and resilience. This election is a significant step forward, not just for my daughters, but for all young girls and women who dare to dream big. It’s a reminder that the opportunities we once only dreamed of are now within reach.

I am hopeful about the future.