October 15th, 2024

Refocusing America’s Pursuit of Perfection

By: Congressman James E. Clyburn/NNPA

In his January 20, 2022, Inaugural Address, President Joe Biden called on us to, “look ahead in our uniquely American way – restless, bold, optimistic – and set our sights on the nation we know we can be, and we must be. But many Americans were looking back to the unprecedented and tumultuous attempted insurrection of January 6th. Backward looking is not normal for a democracy – especially one like ours that is always in “pursuit of a more perfect union.” But you won’t find perfection by looking backwards. President Abraham Lincoln reportedly once said, “I walk slowly, but I never walk backwards.”

President Lincoln led this country through an earlier period of internal turmoil, when there was no certainty that America would emerge intact. I believe President Biden faces similar challenges today. In addition to the political challenge that faced our country as he took office, our country was struggling to reduce the toll of Covid-19, restore our place on the world stage, reform community policing, keep our communities safe, combat climate change, and the list goes on and on and on.

President Biden took a page from President Lincoln’s methodical approach to move us forward. Within the first six weeks of his administration, President Biden signed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan. That law made Covid-19 vaccinations available, stabilized families, unshuttered businesses, reopened schools, and got people back to work. He followed that historic legislation with another historic bill, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that is investing $1.2 trillion in roads and bridges, clean air and water, ports and rail, electric vehicles and making high-speed internet accessible and affordability to every resident and business.

During our lively debate over the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, competing interests within our party were threatening that agenda and our continued pursuit of a more perfect union. I urged members to step outside their comfort zones and find common ground. We were able to subsequently craft the bill that President Biden signed into law.

President Biden’s poll numbers dipped dramatically as the pandemic lingered. But Democrats entered the 2022 election cycle comfortable with his approach and confident in our agenda. We continued to focus on the future and passed much-needed legislation: the CHIPS & Science Act to keep skilled technical and manufacturing jobs in the U.S; the PACT Act to provide health care and resources for military heroes who had been subjected to toxic burn pits and Agent Orange, and the Safer Communities Act to combat gun violence and provide more law enforcement officers in rural communities.

We also passed the Inflation Reduction Act. While it was the largest investment ever to combat climate change, it also authorized Medicare to negotiate for lower drug prices and capped the cost of insulin at $35 for seniors starting January 1, 2023. President Biden and Congressional Democrats were putting the best interest of the American people over the politics of the moment, and the voters knew it.

While our legislative wins were impressive and unprecedented, the pundits remained focused on the noise and name calling. They bought into the dire predictions that the voters would turn Democrats out in droves. I was often asked, “What would it take to get beyond the acrimony?” My answer was always the same, “a definitive election, one in which massive numbers of Americans would step outside their comfort zones.”

That is what happened on November 8th. Many Republicans and Independents who are not usually comfortable voting for Democrats did so in record numbers. The election results seem to have changed the narrative from one of looking backward to one that is forward focused.

After a better-than-expected midterm election cycle during his first term, President Lincoln responded to a Michigan Senator and frequent critic from his own party, Zachariah Chandler, by saying, “I am very glad the elections this autumn have gone favorably, and that I have not, by native depravity, or under evil influences, done anything bad enough to prevent the good result. I hope to ‘stand firm’ enough to not go backward, and yet not go forward fast enough to wreck the country’s cause.”

Forward momentum is the only way to overcome the pull of the past and break the ties of those wanting a return to divisive and dangerous times. I believe President Biden has proven that he too will “stand firm enough to not go backward.”

With the House and Senate as closely divided as they are, progress will require that both sides step outside of their comfort zones and continue our pursuit of “a more perfect union.” The extent of our commitment and success will be determined by the American people at the time – and in the places – they usually render their decisions, at the ballot boxes.

 

October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.

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