By Fariha T. Rahman
It was just a slow, Saturday afternoon when I was doing my homework in the living room. After finishing some calculus problems, I decided to check my phone like most teenagers. Well, for me, it’s always the news app instead of Instagram. While scrolling past the random articles, I got an update; it read “Brett Kavanaugh has been approved for the Supreme Court.”
The last few months saw an intense political battle in the United States, specifically dealing with the Supreme Court’s opening seat. On July 10th of 2018, President Donald Trump had selected Brett M. Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court nomination, a few weeks after Justice Anthony Kennedy announced his plan to retire. Following the proceedings, a few women came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against Kavanaugh. The most critical case was with Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, who accused him of assaulting her decades earlier at an isolated gathering.
This prompted a court hearing in front of the Senate, where Dr. Ford testified and Mr. Kavanaugh fiercely denied the accusations. Becoming emotional and fueled with rage, he argued that this was “an orchestrated political hit” on him by the Democrats, and that he was a man of morals and had respect for women. He also mentioned his love for beer, and how he “sometimes had too many beers” in an attempt to gain sympathy.
While he acknowledged that Dr. Ford might have been assaulted, he denies that he was ever present at the gathering she remembered. Yet, he recalled certain information, and felt the need to constantly explain his drinking habits. And don’t forget the calendar he brought as evidence; yes, a seventeen year old (at the time) might drink one or two or too many beers, but was adamant about always recording all of his activities and their designated times in paper.
While I tried to process the voting result, something deep within reminded me how this was bound to happen. I realized that this could be expected; after all, the Trump administration thus far has been filled with devastating events and conflicts. So many problems have occurred not just in politics, but within the economy, our domestic and foreign affairs, and more as a result of Trump and his cronies rejecting societal standards of ethical behavior.
Here’s the thing: they get away with little consequences — well, at least little for them at that moment — and manage to entangle others in their political mess. Instead of trying to fix the mess, most Americans succumb to losing hope and just trying to get through their days. Instead of trying to fix the mess, most Americans have lost love for their nation and resorted to expressing disregard. Instead of trying to fix the mess, most Americans fruitlessly complain about their lives and dwell in the past we enjoyed before the 45th president.
With these political circumstances, many individuals understood that Kavanaugh would obtain approval for the Supreme position. Although he was accepted, there are many issues that still haven’t been resolved in regards to his case. Whether or not he will remain on the court, it is imperative for the people to remember their rights, their democracy, their republic, their Constitution; and most importantly, their responsibility to continue to care about the future of America. We can still influence and direct the nation, and we can most certainly retain optimism even when facing major turning points like the Kavanaugh hearing.