It is time for Democratic leadership to go on the offensive with Republicans. About abortion rights, healthcare, the environment, everything! 

One way to do this is to start telling the strongest story, the truthful story. 

In their mania to eliminate access to legal abortion, the Republicans say they’re protecting the rights of the unborn children; what about the rights of those who have been born? The ones born into a world where they are not guaranteed healthcare, education, clean drinking water, a future free from climate catastrophe, endless war, and poverty. The ones born into a society where they are abused because of the color of their skin, or a disability, or any number of things that might make them different. 

What about rights for those children? What about the rights for their mothers and their fathers?

Suddenly, the Republicans can’t seem to support any programs for those children.

The Democrats need to be going after the Republicans and getting control of this storyline because it’s the true one. Republicans are a minority in this country, but they are dragging everyone back into a time where women had few rights and no control over their bodies or their future. 

Controlling the narrative, speaking truth, and breaking the hold that a minority of Americans has on this country may just save us all from a very bleak future.

Betsy Howell
PORT TOWNSEND