Week in Review 2-2-2018

Today, in an unprecedented move, the White House released a highly sensitive intelligence document for political gain. Donald Trump's aim is to discredit his critics. There is a dark shadow hanging over Trump and his associates with alleged ties to Russia and other unconstitutional actions, and a dark cloud over the country.

The Mueller and FBI investigations, the government shutdown, and the overall gridlock in Washington, D.C. does not give the public a great deal of confidence in Congress and our elected officials.

It is easy to give up hope and to become eternally pessimistic. The voters in Flint, Michigan did not turn out in numbers great enough to push Hillary Clinton to victory. Many stayed home, despite their horrific water crisis, brought on by Republican officials and mismanagement. They lost confidence in government whether candidates where GOP or Democrats.

Helen Keller, who experienced in her life unimaginable struggles, said, "Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence."

We all need to believe that we can change the direction of this country. We have the constitutionally protected right to do that in November when we vote. We need to be optimistic.

There are great leaders, like Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Tim Kaine (D-VA) who every day are motivated by their fundamental commitment to improve and protect the lives of Americans. They fight to bring health care to millions, keep our air clean, end gun violence, and ensure that women have the right to make their own health care decisions.

They, too, may feel frustrated, but they don't give up; and we can't give up on them.

This year there are more women running for elected office than ever before. They want to serve their country in Congress and work to make a difference in peoples' lives.

JAC-supported candidates like Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ), Ann Kirkpatrick (D-AZ), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and Rep. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) who is running for the Senate, are willing to do the work it takes to get to Congress. These women offer promise, hope and the willingness to make changes in Washington.

Let's not just believe in them. Let's help them get to Washington.