Opinion: 'Join Me In Voting For Joe Kennedy'

The following was submitted to Dedham Patch as a letter to the editor by Gustavo Burkett about the 2020 Senate race. If you would like to write a letter to the editor, email samantha.mercado@patch.com.

I have been a Kennedy supporter for some time. And like others in Dedham, I have watched the Democratic Senate Primary debates closely. Joe’s performances demonstrate why he has my vote.

Joe’s progressive leadership on immigration, transportation, fair housing and education, social justice, and climate action speak to me. As an immigrant to this great country, who works in education and for social justice (and has been affected by prejudice), Joe is the candidate who I see championing these crucial issues most strongly, and leading on practical, concrete action.

Joe fights for these issues locally and nationally. As one example, Joe fought side by side with activists in Massachusetts to pass Ballot Question 3 and protect transgender people from discrimination. At the same time, in Washington, he is Chair of the Congressional Transgender Equality Task Force and introduced legislation rejecting the “gay/trans panic” criminal defense. The same goes for racial and social justice. Joe has marched for Black Lives in Dorchester, Roxbury, and other local communities. He also travelled to Tornillo, Texas to stand with immigrants when families were being separated at the border.

Though I’ve supported Ed Markey in the past, I have been disappointed by his inability to pass legislation. (He has been in Congress for over 45 years, and introduced the Green New Deal, a nonbinding resolution, only last year after partnering with a star, but freshman, lawmaker.) In addition, he passed up a huge opportunity to help the Democratic party, when he did not campaign for a single Democrat last election cycle. I am also troubled by Markey’s behavior during the debates, shouting, talking over moderators and time limits, and being evasive in his answers.

Joe has the energy and determination to lead at home, across the country, and in the Democratic party. He spends more time in Massachusetts than almost any member of the Congressional delegation (70% time; approximately twice that of Markey). And Joe is still in Washington for House votes, and travels the country to support other candidates (18 states in 2018, helping Democrats regain control of the House). Join me in voting to send Joe Kennedy to the US Senate.

Stay safe!

Gustavo Burket