Dear Elizabeth Edwards
This letter is an appeal to the positive and uplifting person that you have presented to the world since 2004. You have inspired me in ways that are hard to describe in mere words. But this being a blog, and words are the medium, I am trying to articulate what you stand for ~ at least to me.
When the media in 2004 tried to take on your family, you defended them like a momma lionness.
When the media tried to smear your husband in the 2004 campaign and 2008, you showed elegance and class, and rebutted the pundits and tore their talking points to shreds. You took on Ann Coulter...and won.
When medical care was an issue you stood strongly and proudly with your husband and supported the most progressive medical insurance ever considered in this nation.
As professional, over the years you have stood strong and proud on your own accomplishments. There was never any question that you are a strong and independent person in your own right.
As a mother, you have shown compassion and love and devotion to your children.
As a wife, you have stood strong with your husband, without ever diminishing yourself or him. You stood as partners and with devotion through good times and bad.
As someone with major health issues you stood and faced questions and put the focus on health care for others.
In summary of these few items listed, that I have watched from afar via the media, you are by definition what I consider to be a feminist.
A woman strong in her own right.
A woman that can love her family and her nation at the same time.
A woman that doesn't need to tear down others to gain success.
A woman that helps others to make everyone stronger and better.
You are a woman that any of us that are 50ish and fought the same 'corporate' and societal stereotypes would be proud to call friend and colleague. And I am one that would be proud to know you and support you anywhere and anytime.
So...all that being said I am saddened to think that you would openly support a candidate that is the antithesis of feminism. Senator Clinton has done a lot in her career...but that past several months have been horrifying for me. She has used negative attacks on her opponent, has refused to denounce negative attacks by her surrogates, and is undermining everything that you and John and me and many others have fought for these past decades. Senator Clinton wants to be a leader, yet she plays the female victim card regularly. As a professional I've spent decades proving that women can be respected without playing victim. You have done the same. John has supported and encouraged and empowered those less fortunate. Senator Clinton denigrates and demoralizes and dimiishes, all in the name of power.
So, this is my heartfelt request to you Elizabeth Edwards:
Please, seriously consider all the positive that you have done and do, and whether that will be tarnished if you choose to support Senator Clinton openly.
With my sincerest regards for all you represent.
Sally
I am going to ask that commenters be respectful of Mrs. Edwards, Senator Clinton, and Senator Edwards in this diary. Please share your experience of reading Mrs. Edwards here at DailyKos, on the Edwards blog, or just her presence in the media.
