With less than seven weeks remaining in the presidential contest, Vice President Kamala Harris is on the verge of shattering the highest remaining glass ceiling and leading America to a more perfect union.
“We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union,” the Founding Fathers wrote in the preamble to the Constitution. The aspirational words “a more perfect union” were meant to strengthen our bonds of freedom and provide the United States room to evolve. At the time of their writing, the Articles of Confederation were considered weak — people of color and women did not have full citizenship rights.
Harris, the first woman of color to lead a major political party ticket for president, is on the doorstep of fulfilling the Founding Fathers’ vision of a more perfect union. Last week’s presidential debate gave us a glimpse of a competent, courageous and confident Democrat nominee who eviscerated her opponent with facts and policy. She offered a message of hope and made the case that it is time to turn the page away from divisive leadership.
On the other side, former President Donald Trump looked at times disinterested and disoriented and seemed more concerned about the size of his rallies. Notably, there was the moment he talked about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio. Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has said “it is not helpful” for GOP politicians to spread “garbage” claims that Haitians are stealing and eating pets in Springfield. The spreading of this false rumor by the ex-president has inflicted real pain on Haitian immigrants. The city has had to evacuate schools because of bomb threats. As a Black man, I am insulted by Trump’s harmful racist claims.
This is not the first time Trump has made outrageous comments. The late American poet Maya Angelou said, “When people show you who they are, believe them the first time.” At a campaign rally last year, Trump said regarding immigrants, “They’re poisoning the blood of our country. … Not just (from) South America. … But all over the world, they’re coming into our country — from Africa, from Asia.” Trump’s rhetoric is divisive and harmful. The Haitians in Ohio are here legally, DeWine noted. I support legal immigration to the United States.
I was always taught birds of a feather flock together. It has been widely reported that Laura Loomer, a former Republican congressional candidate known for promoting conspiracy theories, spent time traveling with Trump last week. Loomer recently posted on her X account that if Harris wins, “the White House will smell like curry” in mockery of Harris’ Indian heritage. The former president should not coddle individuals who spew language that divides America.
The promise of America allowed me to become a successful businessman, and it propelled Harris to the vice presidency. Americans have an important choice to make. Will we choose hope and a new generation of leadership? Or will we go back to chaos, division and the politics of the past?
I do not agree with Harris on all issues. However, she has demonstrated compassion, temperament, integrity, character and moral fitness to be a good president. I hope she will put the American people first and keep her word. Harris’ economic plan calls for building an “opportunity economy” that lowers costs for families while cutting taxes for the middle class and small businesses.
Early voting will soon begin. Please plan to vote, exercise your right and support the candidate who represents your values. The right to vote, which is not enshrined in the Constitution, should not be taken for granted.
The following are few suggestions for the winner of the presidency:
- Prioritize the American people ahead of political parties and donors.
- During the first 100 days, lay out a plan to unite the country.
- Put forward policies to close the wealth gap and persistent health disparities.
- Propose policies to cut taxes and lower the cost of living.
- Implement policies that lower the cost of prescription drugs and housing costs for senior citizens.
- Propose and sign legislation that requires accountability for student literacy.
- Ensure all citizens have equal access and opportunity to capital, contracts and jobs.
It was good to see Trump and Harris shake hands at the beginning of their debate. Now, we must resolve that no matter who wins, there will be a peaceful transfer of power, and we will pray for the leader of America. Both political parties have lost their focus on the people. It can no longer be Republican against Democrat, citizens against police, white versus Black, and rich versus poor. We must achieve the original vision of our country — to be a place where all people can be free to pursue life, liberty and happiness truly — one nation under God.
We cannot lose sight of the future. Whoever wins the presidency must do right by the American people. That person must unify America and endeavor to create a more perfect union.
I write this commentary to make those comfortable with chaos and division uncomfortable.
Willie Wilson is a business owner, philanthropist and former mayoral candidate.
Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.