by D. Cupples | Most Americans who watch Oprah know of Dr. Maya Angelou as Oprah's mentor, but Dr. Angelou earned acclaim years ago through her civil-rights leadership, poems and books. Dr. Angelou is a national treasure, as Bill Clinton acknowledged when he invited her to recite a poem during his 1993 inauguration.
While some Obama supporters -- e.g., Rep. James Clyburn -- are busy trying once again to "play the race card" in some strange hope of benefiting Obama, Dr. Maya Angelou (who turned 80 last month) has been busy positively campaigning for Hillary Clinton.
Why? Instead of paraphrasing a brilliant word smith, I'll give it to you in Dr. Angelou's own words:
Dear Friend:
I am writing to tell you about my friend, Hillary Clinton, and why I am standing with her in her campaign for the presidency. I know the kind of president Hillary Clinton will be because I know the person she is.
I am inspired by her courage and her honesty. She is a reliable and trustworthy person. She is someone I not only admire but one for whom I have profound affection.
Hillary does not waver in standing up for those who need a champion. She has always been a passionate protector of families. As a child, she was taught that all God's children are equal, and as a mother, she understood that her child wasn't safe unless all children were safe. As I wrote about Hillary recently in a praise song: "She is the prayer of every woman, and every man who longs for fair play, healthy families, good schools and a balanced economy."
It may be easy to view Hillary Clinton through the narrow lens of those who would write her off or grind her down. Hillary sees us as we are, black and brown and white and yellow and pink and relishes our differences knowing that fundamentally we are all more alike than we are unalike. She is able to look through complexion and see community.
She has endured great scrutiny, and still she dares greatly. Hillary Clinton will not give up on you, and all she asks is that you do not give up on her. She is a long-distance runner. I am honored to say I am with her for the long run.
I am supporting Hillary Clinton because I know that she will make the most positive difference in people's lives and she will help our country become what it can be. Whether you are her supporter, leaning towards her, undecided, or supporting someone else, I believe Hillary Clinton will represent you –- she will be a president for all Americans. It is no small thing that along the way we will make history together.
Vote for Hillary Clinton and show your support at www.hillaryclinton.com. I know she will make us proud. (ET Online).
That's strong testimony from a renowned civil-rights leader and intellectual. How could any politico even try to attack Hillary on race relations -- let alone twice?
That and history is on Hillary's side. Long before she entered political life, Hillary actually fought for civil rights. In the '60s, she even took it to the personal, local level -- bringing African American friends to a then-segregated church.
As Dr. Angelou said about Hillary in an earlier piece :
"You may write me down in history
"With your bitter, twisted lies,
"You may trod me in the very dirt
"But still, like dust, I’ll rise....
"Rise Hillary.
"Rise."
And we can help Hillary rise, by voting for her (those who are in states with upcoming primaries), by donating to her campaign, and by simply telling others who are about to vote in primaries what we know about Hillary.
Related BN-Politics Posts:
* Cutting Through Nonsense: 10 Reasons to Vote for Hillary
* Ex-Sec. of State Tells Jon Stewart Why Hillary's Experience Matters
* Hillary's Health Care Plan: One Way to Help Pay for it
* 34 Flag Rank Officers and "Out of Iraq Caucus" Endorse Hillary
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