issue: Constitutional Equality

The 2016 Democratic Platform, cited as the most progressive in the party’s history, was released in draft form on July 1 and will be voted on at the Democratic National Convention, July 25 – 28, in Philadelphia. The platform signals a moment of optimism and hope for the future in an election season marked by pervasive and blatant attacks against women, people of color, immigrants, Muslims and a slew of other groups targeted by the Republican Party. The Democratic Platform contains provisions that — if achieved — would result in large and long-awaited victories for feminists.

The selection of Harriet Tubman, Union spy, anti-slavery activist and leader of the Underground Railroad risking her life to escort slaves to freedom in Canada, for the face of the $20 bill was right on the money. The decision was announced by Treasury Secretary Jacob “Jack” Lew in April that Tubman would replace Andrew Jackson (known for his racist views and forced dislocation of Native Americans resulting in many deaths along the notorious Trail of Tears). Unfortunately, Jackson will remain on the back of the $20 bill, but some have pointed out that the Tubman-Jackson depiction on the same denomination will offer a “teachable moment.” We can support that. The twenty dollar bill is set for a re-design (including measures to foil counterfeiters) and issuance by 2030.