Democracy that cannot be questioned is not democracy! Wise powerful words from a lone voice that stood up to the entire United States government in her refusal to support President (non-elect) Bush's war against terrorism.
The illustrious and courageous Congresswoman Barbara Lee, addressed an honored, overflowing crowd on Sunday at the Wayne Morse Commons at the University of Oregon in Eugene. Congresswoman Lee was invited to Eugene to accept "The Integrity in Politics Award", an award that was created to honor an elected official who exhibits the qualities of the late Senator Wayne Morse, one of two senators who opposed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, which initiated U.S. military intervention in Vietnam. Lee was chosen for her "... extraordinary level of integrity and independence, a commitment to justice and a willingness to take a principled stance even at great political cost."
It was very reassuring to see so many of Barbara Lee's peers in attendance, including Kitty Piercy (Vice-chair of Lane County Democrats and Former State Representative), Jim Weaver (former Eugene City Mayor), Bill Dwyer (Lane County Board of Commissioners, who worked with Morse), City Councilor Betty Taylor, County Commissioner Bobby Green, Senator Cliff Trow and Democrat Jim Rice.
Lee began her speech by saying, "We're sisters and brothers, I know, Eugene and Berkley, Berkley and Eugene"! Though her address was brief, Lee had the audience on their feet in thunderous applause more than once. Her first visit to Oregon, she was accompanied by her mother and son, saying that her family has been a positive foundation of support and love.
Lee said that it was important for those who personally worked with Senator Morse to interpret his message, that Morse's wisdom is what is needed right now in the debate regarding Iraq, to provide a correct vote. "A vote is not based on emotion but constitutional responsibilities", Lee stated.
Barbara said that she strongly believes that we should push forth a proposal for a Department of Peace. "Imagine Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice and a Secretary of Peace sitting at a table strategizing; at least peace would be an option".
She urged us not to allow for the erosion of our civil liberties! Lee said that the United States is and must be the greatest hope for peace; that we must leave this planet more secure for our children than it is now.
Seeing Barbara Lee in person, hearing her speak with grace, eloquence and integrity, and witnessing her accept this prestigious and much earned reward for her steadfast commitment, was an important moment in my herstory. I left the ceremony feeling inspired and alive with hope, and strongly feeling that it is paramount for more women to take their rightful place in the political arena, to put (as Wayne Morse was famous for saying) "principle before politics".
* Today in herstory: On this day in 1920 women won the right to vote in the United States, ending a 72-year struggle against woman suffrage!
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e-mail: 
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