I'm an artist, but it's time for me to speak out on politics

By Edwina Sandys
Granddaughter of Winston Churchill

Trump compared himself to my grandfather, but he's no Winston Churchill.
I voted for Biden and today I'm joining Republicans and Independents for
Biden.

“Some men change their party for the sake of their principles. Others
change their principles for the sake of their party.� — Winston S.
Churchill

I was brought up a Conservative in London and today consider myself an
Independent. I have lived in the United States since the 1970s, and I am
proud to be an American citizen. It is with my grandfather's words very
much in mind that I have written this.

In 1900, my grandfather was elected to Parliament as a Conservative
member. In 1904, he dramatically “crossed the floor� and sat on the
bench with the Liberals. Later, in 1924, he rejoined the Conservative
Party — giving rise to his famously reported quip that "anyone can rat,
but it takes a certain amount of ingenuity to re-rat."

I am often asked, “What do you think Winston Churchill would say about
the present situation, here in America?� I seldom speak of my
grandfather publicly — I prefer to be known as the artist I have been
most of my life — and while I certainly wouldn’t dream of putting words
into his mouth, I believe I now must speak out.

President Donald Trump’s inaction and lies about the COVID-19 crisis
have persisted as hundreds of thousands of American lives are being
lost. When under attack for playing down the dangers of the virus, his
defense has been to compare himself as a leader to Winston Churchill.

My grandfather did not mince words about the Nazi threat — or say
something like, “Hitler will be gone — disappear — like a miracle!" He
trusted people with the truth, even when difficult. No! Winston
Churchill did not promise the British people a rose garden.

What he actually said when he became prime minister in World War II was,
"I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat.� The members
of Parliament of all parties gave him a standing ovation, and together,
the country got to work.

Many of my grandfather’s finest hours were crucial moments in the war,
working with Democratic presidents, both Franklin Roosevelt and Harry
Truman. Trump has broken many international alliances, which will take
time and diplomacy to heal and rebuild.

Trump has become a laughingstock in Europe and Canada. In London, his
image on a giant balloon full of gas has floated over the Houses of
Parliament. It could be deflated by a single pinprick. This pokes fun at
and ridicules not only the president but our whole beloved nation — the
United States of America.

Withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement was a serious matter. Trump
doesn’t believe, or chooses not to believe, in science or climate
change. Selfishly, Trump thinks only of himself. Like a spoiled child,
he wants to break up all the other kids’ toys.

By the numbers:Americans say they are better off under Trump, but is
America?

Joe Biden is a decent man. He is a man in full, who has known sadness
and joy. I believe he will turn the page of history and work with the
whole country to make America great again.

The highest court:How do Trump's extraordinary betrayals stand up
against history? He could be the worst.

I rarely wade into the political waters, but this year, at this moment,
I am joining Republicans and Independents for Biden, an affiliate of the
Lincoln Project.

I have just voted for Joe Biden. Some of my friends may never speak to
me again; others will applaud. Please, for the sake of our country, free
yourselves and vote your conscience.

“Americans will always do the right thing, after they’ve exhausted the
alternatives.� Winston S. Churchill

Edwina Sandys is a sculptor and painter whose work focuses on global
issues such as the environment, equality, war and peace, and women’s
causes. A recipient of the 1997 United Nations Society of Writers &
Artists Award for Excellence, she is the subject of a 2003 documentary,
"One Bite of the Apple," and the 2011 book "Edwina Sandys ART."

Excerpt from:

https://tinyurl.com/y5d4g7ha



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*Expand the Supreme Court!*