by Sergio A. Maldonado, Sr.
former Democratic candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction, Northern Arapaho, Mexican American, community advocate, educator, and education advocate.

An interesting choice of words from Wyoming’s own illustrious and adolescent Harriet Hageman. I question if she has the cognitive capacity to fully understand her fear-based thinking. Her assault on Kamala Harris is an assault on the Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone tribes, as we are not “stupid, unqualified, and her DEI constituents.” Secondly, are her words also inclusive of anti-Blackness, anti-Semitism, or anti-Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone sentiments?

As the elected Congresswoman representing the state of Wyoming in the U.S. House of Representatives and with her “extensive” legal efforts to protect the people, is she truly doing justice? I maintain that the foundational reason for fighting the good fight is directly connected to the Moral Imperative: do what is right with and for the people. This includes Kamala Harris!

Hageman’s baseless and racist remarks suggesting that Kamala Harris is less than qualified speak volumes about her own upbringing. I venture to say that her beliefs, actions, and behaviors towards individuals and tribal people clearly show that she believes “we” are to be marginalized from full participation in today’s society and within the state of Wyoming. Her lack of self-conscious critical focus on the conditions of all people in Wyoming is evident and to her detriment. Her ill-conceived notion of democracy and our indigenous heritage quickly leads to her publicly displayed narcissistic values. Lastly, her conscious and unfortunate choice of words affects our collective freedoms, opportunities, and well-being.