In response to Senator Lindsey Graham’s rhetorical question, “Why the hell are you supporting Kamala Harris?” we must consider the moral and ethical stakes in 2024.
Donald Trump has demonstrated an alarming disregard for human rights, democratic principles, and ethics. His presidency was marked by racist rhetoric, attempts to undermine electoral integrity, and efforts to dismantle key rights.
Women’s Rights: Trump’s appointments to the Supreme Court led to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, stripping away a fundamental right for women to control their own bodies. Reproductive rights have become a key battleground, with Trump-aligned conservatives seeking further restrictions on access to abortion, contraception, and healthcare in general. Kamala Harris, by contrast, has been a vocal advocate for protecting women’s autonomy over their healthcare decisions.
LGBTQ+ Rights: Under Trump, we saw a rollback of protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, from the ban on transgender people serving in the military to attempts to limit protections under Title IX. A Trump return would likely bring renewed attacks on LGBTQ+ rights, as part of a broader conservative effort to impose outdated, discriminatory values on our society. Kamala Harris stands for protecting and expanding LGBTQ+ rights, recognizing the humanity of every individual, regardless of gender or sexual identity.
Climate Change: Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and his administration’s rollbacks on environmental regulations were a direct attack on global efforts to combat climate change. Re-electing Trump could spell disaster for our planet, as the climate crisis worsens. Harris and the Biden administration have made strides toward mitigating climate change, but much more is needed to avoid irreversible damage.
Democratic Integrity: Trump’s incitement of the January 6th insurrection and his continued false claims of election fraud threaten the very foundation of our democracy. Supporting a candidate like Trump is tantamount to endorsing authoritarianism, a clear violation of secular humanist values, which prioritize human dignity, democratic governance, and the rule of law. Kamala Harris represents a return to these core principles.
Civil Rights and Justice: Trump’s divisive rhetoric on race, his attacks on Black Lives Matter, and the criminal justice policies he promoted are harmful. He frequently undermined the movements for equality and justice in the U.S., often aligning with authoritarian tactics and encouraging police violence. A future Trump presidency could see the erosion of civil liberties for minority groups, while Harris has fought to advance civil rights and equity.
Healthcare Access: Trump’s administration attempted to dismantle the Affordable Care Act (ACA), threatening millions’ access to essential healthcare, including pre-existing condition protections. Harris supports expanding healthcare access, which aligns with a humanist commitment to well-being and public health.
Immigration and Human Dignity: Trump’s family separation policy and attempts to ban immigrants based on nationality or religion revealed a cruel disregard for human dignity. Secular humanism emphasizes compassion and equality, values that Trump’s immigration policies repeatedly undermined. Harris advocates for comprehensive immigration reform rooted in humanity and fairness.
Education and Science: Trump’s administration undermined scientific research, particularly regarding climate change and public health, and he encouraged skepticism of science-based policies. A secular humanist society values scientific inquiry and education as central pillars of progress. Harris promotes investment in education and science, helping ensure a future rooted in knowledge and reason.
Racial Justice and Equality: Trump repeatedly sowed racial division, from his attacks on peaceful protests for racial justice to his failure to address systemic racism in policing and other institutions. His actions perpetuated inequality and further divided the nation. Harris has a long track record of addressing racial injustice, both as a senator and vice president, and her policies aim to move the country toward racial equity and justice.
Global Leadership and Human Rights: Trump’s foreign policy alienated allies and emboldened autocrats. His withdrawal from international agreements like the Iran nuclear deal and Paris Climate Accord damaged U.S. credibility. Harris, on the other hand, supports diplomacy and international cooperation to address global issues such as human rights abuses and climate action.
Income Inequality and Economic Justice: Trump’s tax policies favored the wealthy, increasing economic inequality, while wages stagnated for most Americans. His disregard for working-class and middle-class families revealed a pro-elite agenda. Harris supports economic policies that promote fair wages, tax reforms that benefit all, and safety nets that protect the vulnerable, reflecting secular humanist values of equity and fairness.
Voting Rights: Under Trump, we witnessed a concerted effort to undermine voting rights, particularly in communities of color. His unfounded claims of voter fraud fueled efforts to disenfranchise millions. Secular humanism champions democratic participation, and Harris is a strong advocate for expanding and protecting voting rights, ensuring all citizens have equal access to the ballot.
As secular humanists, we are deeply concerned about the impact of another Trump term on human rights, democracy, and the future of our planet. Supporting Kamala Harris in this election is not just a political choice; it is an ethical imperative to safeguard the rights and dignity of all individuals and to promote a more just, sustainable future.
The stakes in 2024 are too high to ignore. Re-electing Donald Trump would endanger women’s rights, LGBTQ+ equality, climate initiatives, and the integrity of our democracy. Kamala Harris offers a vision of inclusivity, justice, and progress that better aligns with secular humanist values.
