After weeks of back and forth, filled with debate and disagreements, the State of Union finally happened. Donald Trump stood in front of Nancy Pelosi and her House, along with the Senate and other ranking members of government and their guests, and proclaimed a hodgepodge of messages, especially regarding women.
He claimed to be a champion of women's rights and helping them work for equality, giving the nod to a paid parental leave for new parents, and proclaiming the high amounts of women in the workforce. However, he also proposed sexist and degrading legislation to prevent a woman's right to an abortion, especially when it is medically necessary.
Perhaps his boldest move of the night was him taking credit for something he definitely should not: (which, this man does often, but come on) the women in Congress.
The rise in women in serving in Congress is a sign of a more progressive era and is more reflective of the country we live in. We have women of all races and backgrounds representing faiths and groups that have historically been underrepresented. It is not because of Trump that they are there, it is in spite of him, and those like him.
These women answered the call of service because of the desensitization of sexism and hatefulness in our society. They saw a need for change, found a way to make it, and took the challenge head-on.
These women are not there to lift Trump up, rather their goal is to lift everyone else. Their agenda, one full of progress and forward momentum, is propelling ten steps forward, rather than the path of backward steps Trump is leading us on. Sure, parental leave is great (it is something Democrats have been championing for years), but you know what is else is great? Respecting women. Respecting People of Color. Kindness is great.
The women were clapping because they had won the first battle of the war. They got into the room. They clapped and smiled because they knew that they, for once, were being heard.
