In the last few forums, I’ve heard Sen. Jasinski speak about why he is running for office.
His answer both times: “I am running to preserve our way of life.”
In the context, he is speaking about “socialism” taking over.
I don’t think he knows what socialism is, and it has been the insult given to every single initiative for progress since 1900. I believe that he subscribes to the “anything I don’t like is socialism” school of thought. But that’s another topic.
I’ve heard it all.
But what really concerns me is his desire to preserve “our way of life.”
This is easy to say if you are a privileged white man. I am a privileged white man as well.
But I know what it is to have a loved one denied healthcare because of insurance issues.
In this history of our country, “preserving our way of life” was the reason the south rebelled against the North.
In the history of our country, women have had to fight hard for their rights.
And now women cannot find justice for sexual assault.
Preserving “our way of life” is what the frat boys say, not their victims
Preserving “our way of life” is what abusive husbands say, not their wives,
Preserving “our way of life” is what the robber barons say, not the workers fighting to stay alive with subsistent wages
Preserving “our way of life” is what those born into privilege and standing say, not the ones in the margins.
Preserving “our way of life” is what a man says:
who has never been arrested for the color of his skin,
who has never been afraid to walk in a parking lot,
who has never wondered where his next meal was coming from,
who has never had to undergo a sexual assault examination and try to navigate a system that is designed to protect the rapist.
who has never had to escape a violent man with vulnerable children
who has never suffered a health crisis and has been denied healthcare.
It is the statement of a man who thinks that the biggest problem facing southern Minnesota today is roads and tag fees.
Yes, we can address roads, and we should.
But my concern is different than “preserving our way of life”. I am far more interested in opening up that privilege to everyone – Somali, Mexican, Colombian, Venezuelan, Haitian, men, women, chronic illness, or healthy –
Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness isn’t something to “preserve” for the entitled few. It is the right of every American and must be fought for continually.
Sam Powell for Senate District 19.
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