The Brightest of Lights in the Darkest of Rooms
Todd Wilkinson | The Corsair
Vice President Mike Pence has cast more tie-breaking votes in the United States Senate than any other VP since 1873.
Among his crucial ‘yeas’ was the decision to approve the nomination of Betsy DeVos as the US Secretary of Education. DeVos’ nomination was clouded in controversy, largely thanks to her inexperience. DeVos has no background in education, and has repeatedly acted as an advocate for charter schools. Neither she nor any of her kids have attended a public high school or university. Furthermore, DeVos has publicly motioned in favor of guns in schools and has donated to a number of anti-LGBTQ+ organizations.
A 50-50 tie in the Senate on Feb. 7, 2017, meant Vice President Pence would cast his first of 13 tie-breakers to date. She was approved that same day.
Joe Biden’s Vice Presidency was largely ceremonious ––he cast zero votes in the Senate while occupying the White House. He acted as the Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, among other small legislative groups. Overall, he acted more as President Obama’s confidant than a political force. The same cannot be said of Pence.
Pence has acted as the ranking member of the White House Coronavirus task force, which has overseen the infection of 10 million and the death of more than 240,000 Americans. He has broken senate ties on a number of judicial appointments, who will act as conservative strongholds in their respective seats for life. His actions will impact sexual equality and LGBTQ+ rights for decades to come.
Pence’s stifling Vice Presidency is now to be followed by one of the few political figures capable of reversing the human rights catastrophe before her.
The selection of Kamala Harris is historic for a number of reasons. She is the first elected woman to occupy the White House. For centuries to come, she will be looked at and admired as one of the trailblazers for women in the modern political arena. As a child of two immigrants, one from India and another from Jamaica, she has come to symbolize the endless possibilities of this nation. Her success is a display of progress, amidst four years of darkness. Beyond the unprecedented nature of her success, though, is a certain relief.
The last four years have left me holding my breath, but now we have an answer that has reignited my faith in this country. In a 2004 speech long before his candidacy for President, Barack Obama noted, “I stand here knowing that my story is part of the larger American story, that I owe a debt to all of those who came before me, and that, in no other country on earth, is my story even possible.” He paid testament to the audacity of hope. Harris represents a beacon for young women around the globe. Similar to President Obama for Blacks, young girls can now see a strong woman holding one of the world's most powerful offices and know that with hard work, they too can achieve the highest of honors. She is the first hint of a generation uncompromising and unwavering in their pursuit of equality. Around the world, there are little girls resting their heads on pillows dreaming of endless possibilities thanks to the decision of this country.
The brightest of lights comes from the darkest of rooms. Biden’s success, although important, stands in the shadow of what Kamala’s triumph will mean to the world.
