“shut up, @$$hole”

[Pamela Pugh for Congress]( {NAME}, I’ve reached out over the past few weeks about some microaggressions and a racist push poll in our primary, but this treatment of our fellow DNC delegate last night by a fellow Democrat really takes the cake. Calling someone an @$$hole on a DNC Delegate Zoom because they’re speaking on behalf of the Arab-American community is flat-out unacceptable. And the fact that no elected officials on the call immediately condemned this behavior is the elephant in the room. While I am not Arab-American, I have also experienced many of the same sentiments as a Black woman running as a pro-ceasefire Democrat against two pro-Israel Democrats in the primary for the open, toss-up seat in Michigan’s 8th District. And the fact nobody spoke up in defense of Abbas indicates we need a more diverse slate of elected officials who understand the lived experience of a person of color, not the privileged few. If we are expected to shut up on one issue, then who knows how long until we can’t speak on any issue that affects marginalized communities like mine – Black folks in Detroit, Saginaw, and Flint? That's why I urge Kamala Harris to engage with these uncommitted delegates in a constructive, respectful dialogue. No one should ever feel their voice doesn't matter. Such behavior is simply unacceptable, and whoever made the comment should feel deeply ashamed of themselves. [{NAME}, will you join me in calling on President Harris to meet with Michigan’s Uncommitted Delegates to include their voices in our Big Tent Party? Sign your name here to demand that our Democratic Party leadership and Presidential Nominee (who was last on the record as being pro-ceasefire) listen to Arab-American voices in Michigan. Not only because it’s the right thing to do but also because, without their votes, we may lose the presidency here in a crucial swing state. Sign on now; we are trying to gather 1,000 signatures before midnight →]( When they don't like what we have to say, they just tell us to shut up and expect obedience. It all began with the censoring of my dear colleague and sister, Rep. Rashida Tlaib. Now, more Arab-American activists who simply advocate for Palestinians’ basic human rights are being silenced. If the heartbreaking trauma experienced by children in Gaza is difficult for some to simply hear about, imagine enduring it day in and day out… Yup, sit with that for a minute. I’m pretty used to the type of treatment and microagressions that Abbas experienced last night. My opponent Kristin McDonald Rivet has consistently thrown microaggressions my way (intentional or not), accusing me of trying to divide our party instead of uniting us whenever I bring up my pro-ceasefire stance. They tried to shut my compatriot Abbas down, but what they didn't know is that all pro-ceasefire supporters have a voice through our campaign, and it is one I am not afraid to use while all eyes are on our primary election in just 12 more days. So it’s time to to stand together behind our Arab-American brothers and sisters and bring a megaphone to their voices, and get some things straight. [{NAME}, your support is crucial; help us ensure we can amplify our voices with multiple megaphones across every corner of our district, Michigan, and the entire country. Please sign on to my letter to Vice President Harris and Democratic Party Leadership urging them to meet with Michigan’s Uncommitted Delegates and bring them into our big tent instead of marginalizing the 700,000 voices who voted uncommitted around the country and here in Michigan to speak out on behalf of Arab-American voices who were being silenced.]( Saginaw County has been a deciding factor in the last two Presidential Elections and this year will be no different. Lets send a strong message to Congress that Michigan wants a representative who works on the most pressing issues in Michigan and fights for the rights that are important to us. Not one that will be silent when told to shut up and called an @$$hole. Our freedoms are interconnected, and we must stand united against those who seek to silence us with ridicule. So, let's raise our voices, and let's refuse to be silenced. [Join us in this crucial fight for justice and equality by signing on today →]( In solidarity, – Dr. Pamela Pugh --------------------------------------------------------------- I’m Dr. Pamela Pugh, and I’m a Saginaw native running for Congress in Michigan's 8th District. I've spent my career fighting to improve the lives of Michigan residents through public health initiatives, and as the Chief Public Health Advisor for Flint I played a pivotal role in standing alongside Flint residents during the water crisis. As a public servant, I currently serve as the President of the Michigan State Board of Education, a statewide elected position. I believe in standing up for the people and fighting for our democracy, our children, and our future. I've lived in Michigan's 8th District for my entire life and it will be the honor of a lifetime to represent my community in the House of Representatives. I'm relying on grassroots contributions to fuel my campaign to victory — [so please chip in what you can right now!]( Our email list is an important tool for us to reach Democrats and activists in Michigan and around the country. If you no longer wish to receive emails from us, please use [this link to unsubscribe.]( Pugh for Michigan 4580 State Street Saginaw, MI 48603 United States Unit 138 Paid for by Pugh for Michigan | Eric Welsby, Treasurer