Why I confronted Flake over Kavanaugh
Ana Maria Archila: Action can breathe life and possibility into our democracy
I began my week in tears, as I stood in front of Sen. Jeff Flake’s office to tell my story of sexual assault. I ended my week in rage after learning that Flake, R-Ariz., would vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court.
I was sexually assaulted when I was 5 years old. I didn’t know exactly what was taking place but I knew it was wrong. I told two adults at the time and they didn’t believe me. So I kept this secret, too afraid and ashamed to tell my parents. It has been a burden ever since.
Last Monday, I was with the organization that I co-lead, the Center for Popular Democracy Action, and hundreds of others who came to Washington to urge their senators to vote no on the Kavanaugh nomination. Much of his record on civil rights, worker protections, health care and reproductive justice is an abomination. So, too, is his history of treating women as less deserving of respect and control over our lives.
I had not planned to share my story that day. I hadn’t shared it for three decades. But Christine Blasey Ford told her story to protect our country and, as a way to thank her, I decided to tell mine. I was counting on Flake to act with a sense of responsibility for his country and for the children watching this debate. I was enraged and deeply saddened when I read his statement Friday morning that he’d support Kavanaugh.
I had the opportunity to confront Flake on Friday. I reminded him that I had told my story in front of his office earlier in the week. I asked him how he could live with himself, as a father of daughters, knowing that Kavanaugh allegedly violated a young girl.
We need a Supreme Court justice truly committed to justice. To the hard work of recognizing and repairing hurt. Someone willing to take responsibility for his past and do better in the future. That someone is not Brett Kavanaugh.
Through all of our interaction, Flake was silent. Then, he went missing from the Judiciary Committee meeting. He came back later and said that he could not vote for Kavanaugh on the Senate floor until after an FBI investigation.
His reaction shows the power we have when we tell our stories and stand up for our vision of an inclusive society. When we take action, we breathe new life and possibility into our democracy.
Ana María Archila is the co-executive director of the Center for Popular Democracy Action.