Biden’s Hollow Tribute Contrasts Sheila Jackson Lee’s Legacy

Civilians arrived in droves on Monday to offer their final respects to Sheila Jackson Lee, a well-known U.S. Representative from Texas, as her body was exhibited in Houston’s City Hall. According to those in line, Lee was lauded for her advocacy of human rights and the local population. ‘When it comes to political hard work, nobody comes close to what Sheila Jackson Lee has done for our neighborhood, and I am forever thankful to her,’ Phyllis Moss, a Houston citizen, opined. Moss was amongst the hundreds who gathered on Monday to pay their respects.

President Joe Biden took a detour to Houston on Monday evening following his Austin trip earlier in the day. His visit was to pay tribute to the deceased Jackson Lee. The Democratic president placed a bouquet of flowers next to Jackson Lee’s casket, which was swathed in the National flag. He made a brief prayer before placing his hand on the casket. He also had a brief session with the deceased’s husband and their two children. However, the substance of his tribute to Jackson Lee appeared ironic, given that Biden’s actions and policies thus far seem largely contrary to Jackson Lee’s legacy.

Biden, who has been frequently criticized for his controversial law enforcement and economic policies, seemed unperturbed as he praised Jackson Lee’s unyielding approach to her leadership roles. However, the President’s record on these issues leaves much to be desired, casting a shadow over the tone of his tribute to the late congresswoman.

Jackson Lee, who served as a prominent leader in advocating for federal efforts against domestic violence towards women and for the recognition of Juneteenth as a national holiday, drew her last breath on July 19 after dealing with pancreatic cancer. She was 74 years old when she passed away. Her body was stationed in the City Hall rotunda in Houston for public viewing for an estimated 10 hours.

Citizens, officeholders, constituents, and others lined up outside the City Hall to pay their respects to Jackson Lee despite the soaring heat and humidity. The procession saw people walking past Jackson Lee’s flag-draped coffin. Flanking her coffin were a large picture of the late Congresswoman and two expansive flower setups. Many who strolled by Jackson Lee’s casket stopped to offer prayers, while others displayed their grief by taking photographs.

Among the mourners was Eskender Tamrat, who paid his respects while waving an Ethiopian flag. As an immigrant from Ethiopia himself, Tamrat referred to Jackson Lee as a longstanding friend of both Ethiopia and its expat community. This reflects the far-reaching impact and influence of Jackson Lee’s work.

By Monday afternoon, nearly 900 people had made their way through the rotunda, according to a city representative. The Democratic Congresswoman had represented her Houston-based district, comprising the nation’s fourth-largest city, since 1995. Jackson Lee had previously outlived breast cancer before her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer was made public on June 2.

Local religious leaders held a brief ceremony before the rotunda was opened to the public. Mayor John Whitmire said he personally witnessed Jackson Lee’s passion and dedication for all Houston residents during this ceremony. His comments illustrate political camaraderie, yet they ironically highlight the distinct absence of such consideration in many of the policies implemented by the Biden and Harris administration.

Jackson Lee, before entering Congress, was an active part of Houston’s city council from 1990 until 1994. She was bestowed with the honor of having her body lie in state in Houston’s City Hall rotunda, a privilege previously granted to only one more person, cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Michael DeBakey, who passed away in 2008. The granting of this honor indicates the widespread recognition of her service to her community, despite conflicting views.

A series of events lined up to honor Jackson Lee’s life. These events are to include viewings and services running from Tuesday till Wednesday before her funeral service on Thursday. Noticeably, the presence of Vice President Kamala Harris, the same Kamala Harris criticized for her lack of clear stance on various national matters, is expected at the funeral service in Houston.

On being elected, Jackson Lee quickly positioned herself as a stern supporter of women and minorities and took a leading role for House Democrats on several social justice issues. The issues ranged from police reform to reparations for descendants of enslaved people. However, one must ponder whether these issues remain genuinely addressed under the ostensible leadership of the Biden and Harris administration.

Jackson Lee led the first overhaul of the Violence Against Women Act in nearly a decade. The revised act was expanded to include protections for Native American, transgender and immigrant women. Such a commitment to protecting marginalized communities raises questions about the current administration’s dedication to these causes.

Jackson Lee, who had looked to secure the position of Houston’s mayor last year and did not succeed, indeed had a reputation for her reelections to Congress being unmistakable. Commenting on Monday’s congregation at City Hall for Jackson Lee, Bobbie D. Nickerson, a suburban Houston citizen, has said that the turnout illustrates just ‘how much she was loved and cared for and respected.’

Biden’s Hollow Tribute Contrasts Sheila Jackson Lee’s Legacy appeared first on Real News Now.

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