The Anti-War Committee and Anti-Drone Warfare Coalition Meet with Rep. Barbara Lee

On the evening of Monday November 9, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA.) received the 2015 Thomas Merton Award. Earlier in the day, I had the pleasure of meeting Rep. Lee at a luncheon held in her honor by the Center’s Anti-War Committee and Anti-Drone Warfare Coalition.

Rep. Lee spoke about her work in and out of Congress and fielded questions from the attendees. As an elected official since 1998, Lee has consistently promoted progressive values through legislation in Congress, including sponsoring Act 1111 which calls for the creation of a Department of Peacebuilding, and in her private life as founding chair of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Center in Oakland, CA.

Lee was asked several questions including those related to her activities in Congress, drone warfare, the US relationship with Israel, her relaReichmantionship with President Obama, and activists working together. Gabe McMorland, TMC Organizer, asked Ms. Lee about anti-drone legislation. Ms. Lee stated that there is current legislation on the table against the military use of drones, which would put a moratorium on their use ‘but we don’t have the movement [public support] yet’. Scilla Wahrhaftig, from the American Friends Service Committee, mentioned the disconnect between progressive activists – including those who are anti-war, proponents of civil rights, and the environment. Lee emphasized the need for those with similar agendas to work together to build coalitions in order to attain their goals. Lee spoke unswervingly about the importance of activism. Raphael Cardamone, an intern at the Merton Center, asked about organizing youth to be politically active. Lee stated the need for citizens and the youth to be active participants in the political process; as she stated, “The Obama Administration won’t do anything unless they hear from the people.” David Hughes., an activist of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement, asked about Israel and the Occupation being an obstacle to peace. Lee reiterated her support for Israel as the friend of the U.S. in the Middle East and the need of Israel to have security and the desire of the Palestinian people for statehood.

Rep. Lee noted that politics is complex and right now it is hard to pass legislation ’as the Tea Party controls the show’. Still, it is important to show respect. Lee said that as a Democrat she does not always agree with President Obama. With respect for him, she can still be and sometimes is a part of a loyal opposition. While Lee has disagreed with some of the president’s policies, she has been positive about the recent Iran deal and diplomacy around Syria. This year, Lee was named by President Obama as the representative of the U.S. Congress to the United Nations.

Lee also spoke about her own experience and what motivated her to fight for the underprivileged; to fight for justice. As an African–American woman she had to fight for her rights and reminded the attendees that she grew up in the segregated South. I was truly impressed by Lee’s story and her ongoing determination. When asked what keeps her motivated, Rep. Lee replied, “As a person of faith, prayer keeps me going. I have a deep commitment to live and let live.”

M. R. Reichman is an intern at the Thomas Merton Center.

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