I offer a bow of respect to all candidates vying to succeed Ellen Story as our state representative. Yet one, Vira Douangmany Cage, stands apart in having lived the reality of systemic oppression and having emerged from it with strengthened spirit and deepened commitment to working with fellow citizens towards a better world and a more prosperous, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable community.
Being a refugee from a war-ravaged country in these times where immigrants must sometimes contend with suspicion and rejection, and a person of color in a society that continues to privilege some groups over others, Vira’s life experience has forged within her a commitment to doing whatever she can in the service of equity and justice for all.
These understandings are rooted in her soul and tempered by experience over many years. They will not be compromised by adversity or changing political winds. Her idealism is undiminished. In these tumultuous times, we so very much need the voice of such a person in the State House.
How fortunate we would be to have as our state representative such a passionate and seasoned advocate for education, economic development, health care and environmental sustainability for our whole community, and every single person, business, and institution in it.
Jonathan Klate
Amherst