It’s Time for a Woman President

Dear Editor,

Our 2016 United States of America national election seems a cacophony of chaos fertile with transforming possibilities. It is a reflection of current global turmoil of politics and commerce. For the fourth time in U.S. history, this time with a greater chance by a fully vetted politician, a woman is doggedly seeking to be our first female president. This is no small venture. Not only is Hillary Clinton a woman with unique political experience, but also one with a lifelong commitment to improving the health and lives of children. This has special meaning to me as a pediatrician who has worked with diverse groups of children to improve their health.

From centuries of inherent female and male differences and life perceptions, it should be no surprise that recent tumultuous primary battles have left us in early June with one woman and two men in contention. As we still live with abundant, albeit usually subliminal misogyny aligned with overt patriarchal religious hierarchy, this election process is more complex than the Biblical Persian Queen Esther and King Ahasuerus story. It is fertile with opportunity for real, transformative change.

Since the Enlightenment ushered in reason above “might makes right” to guide political discourse, women have slowly worked their way to see the goal of true equality within their grasp. Recall Abigail Adams’ plea to her husband John, “Don’t forget the ladies.” This continues to challenge all of us to practice dignity and respect for all females, from conception to death. Like some other countries, we have begun to consider drafting women into military combat. While this may be an equalizing step, it sets a low bar for the best use of the talents of our youth. We can use our best and brightest in less violent pursuits. Rather, there is opportunity to elect more women to our highest and most challenging public service offices. They may find more peaceful and rational solutions for better international relations and global problem solving.

As our first African-American president has chosen to visit the Hiroshima Peace Park to emphasize his dedication to follow the Reagan-Gorbachev pathway to full nuclear disarmament, we see some signs of global evolution to lasting peace. Sages and philosophers have told us across continents and centuries, the strength of

Page 89

 nations rests upon families and communities. For me, our 2016 election challenges can be distilled down to three basic priorities: improving early childhood mental health and education, expanding health care, and reversing human impact on global environment deterioration. Wisdom from women of all ages remains our best guide.

One man who survived both the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atom bomb explosions uttered a wise maxim. Tsutoma Yamaguchi lived to take the last train out of Hiroshima to arrive the day before the attack on Nagasaki. He expressed the belief that the only person who may be allowed to control nuclear weapons “should be breast feeding.”

From June to November 2016, voters of the United States of America have to choose among a democratic socialist, a moderate Democrat, or a radical Republican conservative. Fantasy guided hopes or excessive fear may lead some to choose either man. Those who are guided by the values of education, health, and environmental healing will choose the moderate woman.

Sincerely yours,

George Brown

Page 90