I was thrilled, and strangely moved, today to see that the President signed S. 614 this afternoon: a bill awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the WASP (or Women's Airforce Service Pilots) of WWII. Truly a well-deserved recognition for a deserving group, long overdue in its commemoration. And I was moved to write to several legislative sponsors, as well as the President himself.
But another piece of this puzzle troubled me, in light of so much recent discussion here, elsewhere online, and in (some) of the more progressive media--thank you, KO and Rachel....
I have no particular dog in this hunt, save what I believe to be right and just for all, but follow over the jump and see what you make of what I had to say. Maybe you'll be moved to write in with comments of your own, or make phone calls--or maybe you think I missed the boat. Chime in. I just don't think silence is an option.
July 1, 2009
Dear Mr. President:
With your signature this afternoon of S.614 awarding long, long-overdue recognition to the WASP (Women’s Airforce Service Pilots), I wanted to thank you for your part in supporting and bringing to fruition this historic and meaningful legislation.
While I became aware of the WASP and their extraordinary contributions, sacrifices, valor, and commitment some years ago—and even had the opportunity to get to know a surviving WASP and her equally impressive husband (himself a veteran of the bombing campaigns of the US Army Air Corp)—it has long been true that far too few Americans knew of this stalwart and intrepid band of women. And women they were, for sure, not merely citizens without regard to gender; for if an understanding of their experience, and its legacy, teaches anything, it is that they both embraced their roles as women and redefined those roles for a skeptical if not hostile public. That they came and overcame in many ways despite being women, at a moment and under circumstances when the fact of their gender offered no practical limits but raised obstacles real and considerable in law, experience, opportunity, perception, and attitude.
It is hardly news to you, sir, given your own history, to recognize that—as so many groundbreaking pathfinders have done and had to do—this small band of yea-sayers refused to be cowed, though they had to be always better than their counterparts, had to try harder, perform more, prove themselves oftener, and overmatch lower expectations and higher standards. As fellow service personnel in that same war would do—whether Nisei, African American, Native American, or otherwise oppressed minorities—the WASP met every challenge and overcame each. Doing it with the aplomb that Ginger Rogers dubbed, in other circumstances, "backwards and in heels."
As we approach this year’s Independence Day holiday celebrations, I know that there are at least a few remaining WASP still living to welcome this belated appreciation from the nation that owes them so much. And for that alone, you and the members of Congress who made this happen are to be warmly applauded, for at last acting before it was too late. Just as you stood recently at sadly hallowed ground in Normandy and Germany to honor the living memory of a rapidly diminishing group, it is wonderful that some of those whom we honor could be there to witness it. But there is also a wider pool of people, from their families to simple supporters and enthusiasts, who are equally grateful to see us add another small thread to the ever-widening tapestry of our rich, complicated history of inclusion. Another small step in what you inspiringly point to as the ongoing work of perfecting our imperfect union. And there is, too, the broad swath of Americans who have never heard of the WASPs, never knew or otherwise would have known of their existence, who I hope will be inspired by this measure to discover more about them.
At the same time, I sincerely hope that this occasion of celebration will inspire us all to reconsider many of our deeply held prejudices, just as these women so fearlessly and gracefully did in their day. To reconsider and overcome bigotry, fear, small-mindedness, and judgment about those different from ourselves—about the capacity of our fellow citizens to compete, collaborate, or contribute. I hope that it can become an occasion to revisit the nasty strains of xenophobia that infect our conversations about immigration; I hope that it becomes an occasion to reflect on the many ways in which we continue to cheapen and lessen women’s lives, from reproductive rights to health care options and standards of fair pay and workplace opportunity; and maybe most of all, I hope that the example of the WASPS can inspire you personally, as well as your Senate and House confrères, at last to revisit and undo the hatefully misguided injustice and foolish, petty travesty of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.
Truly to honor what the WASP represent is not merely to aware them the Congressional Gold Medal over half-a-century later. It is to take to heart the example that they embody and the lesson that they provide. All who are called and capable to serve should have that opportunity; and I believe, if we provide the means, we will continue to find ourselves enriched by the service of many whom we lessen ourselves by belittling. As you usher these wonderful women into a new chapter of history, please consider renewing your efforts, and stimulating those of your Congressional co-equals, to repeal DADT.
With sincere appreciation for your support of this important recognition, and with hopeful confidence in your leadership moving forward to provide for a better tomorrow for all.