In recent weeks I have been asked numerous times how I manage to maintain my sanity and any semblance of optimism while spending so much time at the General Assembly. Given the divisive political climate in Virginia’s General Assembly this year, the question isn’t surprising. I suppose my answer involves some combination of faith, a genuine commitment to the principles and policies the Center stands for, and a bit of cognitive dissonance. But I was also heartened by the answer a Delegate recently gave to the same question. He said that though the outcome may not be ideal, there is no defeat in standing up and fighting for what one believes in, there is only defeat in standing by idly.
Even despite those inspirational words, the Virginia legislature doesn't always offer a genuine opportunity to stand for those beliefs and values. There has been little debate about investing in and educating our students to prepare them for the 21st century economy, putting Virginians back to work, ensuring that all Virginians have access to quality and affordable health care, or mending the holes in our safety net.
Additionally, this year’s General Assembly started with the announcement that Governor McDonnell had taken the debate about uranium out of the hands of legislators and citizens, and created a private state commission to create regulations for safe mining. Despite expensive lobbying efforts by the uranium industry, there was not one Delegate or Senator willing to carry legislation to lift the ban and allow uranium mining in Virginia. The health and safety concerns of ordinary citizens were successful in preventing legislation from being introduced, but the process was then placed in the hands of other decision makers.
Nor are all the debates reasonable. A few weeks ago I sat in a subcommittee meeting while 4 votes were cast to defeat a bill that would have prohibited any state correctional facility from using shackles on a female inmate’s legs during labor and delivery – a practice deemed dangerous and unnecessary by some of the largest medical and correctional associations in our country, and condemned by the United Nations. Though the bill had support from an incredibly broad coalition, the tenor of the conversation among the Delegates was divisive, accusatory and simply outrageous.
Standing up for public policies that protect the air we breathe, the water we drink, and secure dignity and opportunity for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged members of our communities is absolutely necessary, perhaps now more than ever before. As people of faith we are called to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God. And so, whatever the odds, we continue to promote just and compassionate policies, wherever we can. We stand with and for the least of those in our midst, with grace and humility, both in hours of success and in hours of defeat.