A new scandal erupted in America this summer amid confrontation between the incumbent president of the United States and his political rivals. But to be more precise, with rivals. Four women politicians - Alexandria Okazio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, Aianna Pressli and Ilhan Omar - who are commonly called "Squad" (which can be translated into Russian as "gang" or "team") actively oppose Donald Trump's views and even demand him impeachment, which undoubtedly infuriates the leader of the state emotionally. In addition, they intend to make a real revolution in US policy, making the solution of such pressing issues as the problems of poverty, discrimination and the environment at the forefront. In short, the political course they proposed is not at all close to the current president - which he constantly emphasizes in his expressive manner. Moreover, he emphasizes so furiously, getting personal, that many political observers have already noted that such a reaction from Trump may indicate that the president is "afraid" of these women.
For example, in July, Donald Trump decided on his Twitter to inform the Squad that if they do not like something in America, they can return home - to their home countries, where terrible corrupt regimes reign. And the Americans will somehow figure out how to live. Thus, the president hinted that his political opponents are not local, based only on the fact that they all have "colored" skin. Note that all of these women are United States citizens. Moreover, only Ilkhan Omar was not born in America (as a child, she came with her parents from Somalia), while the rest were born and raised in the United States. So, as Trump advised women, they simply have nowhere to “go back” (see also: “Donald Trump's 10 Most Scandalous Tweets”).
After the scandalous tweet on social networks, a real storm began. Donald Trump's statement was regarded by most users as a direct manifestation of racism and strongly condemned. And how can Americans be considered one of the most tolerant nations in the world if their leader makes such loud and offensive statements? So, as it turned out, Trump hurt not only the "Squad" and people with a different skin color, but also ordinary residents of his country who do not agree with discrimination at any social level.
What else do we know about the women politicians who call themselves "Squad"? These are four members of Congress who were elected to the House of Representatives in the November 2018 midterm elections. And we can say with confidence: each of them has already entered the history of America.
Alexandria Ocazio Cortez
Alexandria Ocazio-Cortez (aka AlexandriOcasio-Cortez) made all American politicians talk about themselves last June when she defeated Democratic veteran and all-time favorite Joe Crowley in the Democratic primaries in New -York. And in November 2018, 29-year-old Alexandria Ocazio-Cortez became the youngest woman ever elected to the US House of Representatives. An unprecedented event in state history.
Alexandria was born in the Bronx, New York, the son of an architect and a cleaning lady. She was educated in economics and international relations at Boston University, and after graduating from the educational institution she was forced to earn money in the service sector due to the difficult financial situation of her family. So, for example, before getting seriously involved in politics, Ocazio-Cortez was an administrator, waitress and even a bartender. In those days, her working day was about 18 hours. However, the girl, with an inquisitive mind and a decent education, felt that she could bring the world much more benefit than serving the customers of bars. And as soon as the financial situation of her family began to improve, Alexandria began to actively engage in social issues directly related to politics.
After being elected to the US House of Representatives, according to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez herself, she became a "lightning rod" for political law. At the same time, a woman does not avoid public attention, but uses every opportunity to express her views. Social networks are also becoming its political platform. For example, she already has more than five million Twitter followers who support Ocasio-Cortez's initiatives to take care of our planet's ecology and eradicate racism and poverty. Her public speeches in Congress, at times, are extremely emotional, categorical and even revolutionary for the well-established political and economic course of the country. For example, she once came up with a proposal to raise the tax for wealthy Americans (up to 70%). In her opinion,this can be a big step forward towards achieving economic equality in society. And, of course, Alexandria is very much concerned about the issues of global warming, the fight against which - as the woman politician believes - should become our common "Second World War". The position of the current President of the United States on the problems of concern to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is absolutely unacceptable, so she openly opposes the political views of Donald Trump.therefore, she openly opposes the political views of Donald Trump.therefore, she openly opposes the political views of Donald Trump.
By the way, it is believed that it was Alexandria who accidentally introduced the term "Squad" for a group of her associates, which was subsequently picked up by the media. She posted a photo together with Rashida Tlaib, Ayanna Pressly and Ilhan Omar, adding the hashtag #squadgoals, the first part of which became associated with their team.
Ilkhan Omar
First Congressman Ilhan Omar won a seat in the House of Representatives from Minnesota last November, becoming the first Somali-American politician in the US legislature. Her family came to America in 1997 as a refugee from Somalia. Ilhan Omar received American citizenship in 2000.
Mom Omar died when her daughter was only two years old, so her father and grandfather raised her. Men instilled in young Ilkhan not only vitality and firmness of character, but also the importance of the postulates of democracy. Omar subsequently graduated from the University of North Dakota with a BA in Political Science and International Relations, and then began her political career.
I must say that the initiatives and statements of Ilkhan Omar are not always unambiguous. For example, her fight for the right to wear a headdress (Muslim hijab) in Congress has evoked great respect. Let us remind you that this was prohibited for 181 years. As a result, Ilkhan Omar obtained permission to wear the hijab during her oath. However, a woman politician has also often faced accusations of anti-Semism that have been leveled at her. In particular, earlier this year, her statement that the American Israeli public affairs committee (Aipac) was “buying” influence on pro-Israel politics was seen as inciting anti-Semitic hatred. Ilkhan Omar immediately made a public apology, noting that she is opposed to any kind of discrimination. “Anti-Semism is real and I am grateful to my Jewish allies and colleagues,which raise my awareness of the tragic history of anti-Semitic tropes,”she tweeted.
Today, 37-year-old Ilhan Omar is not only one of two Muslim women ever elected to the US Congress (along with Rashida Tlaib), but also a mother of three children.
Rashida Tlaib
Like other women congressmen, Rashida Tlaib and her election last November made history. A Michigan Democrat is the first Palestinian-American woman to serve in Congress. Tlaib was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan to Palestinian immigrants. Her grandmother still lives in the Middle East (West Bank).
Ms. Tlaib - the eldest of 14 siblings - became the first member of her family to graduate from high school, followed by college and law. From the very beginning of her work in the political sphere, Rashida has openly criticized the US president. From time to time, her statements were so harsh and contained such explicit calls for the impeachment of Donald Trump that the public was confused. However, Tlaib never renounced her views, stressing on Twitter that "the authorities always need to tell the truth." Rashida also added that Mr. Trump is "the worst bully I have ever encountered in my life," and that his attacks on her were made to "distract" attention from her work as Michigan County Representative in Congress …
By the way, she took the oath - just like her colleague Ilkhan Omar - in traditional Arabic dress.
Ayanna Pressley
45-year-old Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley is the first African-American woman to be elected to the US Congress from Massachusetts. She was born and raised in Cincinnati, southwestern Ohio, and raised by her single mother.
After studying at Boston University, Ianna Pressley worked as a senior assistant to Congressman Joseph Patrick Kennedy II, and then for 13 years was on the team of Senator John Kerry. Her own political career began in 2009 when she ran for the vacated seat on Boston City Council. As a result, she became the first black woman to become a member of this body in its 100-year history.
As well as the election of Alexandria Ocazio-Cortez, her election victory came as a real surprise to many politicians. She took the place that for 20 years belonged to the famous American Congressman Michael Capuan. It was he who from 1998 to 2018 represented the seventh congressional district. But with the arrival of Aianna Pressly in politics, everything changed.
Since taking up her new position in January this year, Pressly has established herself as a vocal advocate for women's rights - in particular, the right to abortion. She is fighting to repeal an amendment that bans Medicaid from paying for abortions for low-income American women (see also: "Abortion Ban: Which Countries Have The Most Harsh Laws?"). Aianna Pressley also advocates for better protection and assistance for victims of sexual violence. The congresswoman admitted that some time ago she herself had a similar traumatic experience, and today she is convinced that "the people who are closest to pain should be closest to power."
Pressley condemns Trump's policies, and considers him not a president, but rather a "resident" of the White House. “He is not the embodiment of the principles, responsibility, compassion and honesty of a true president,” she summed up in an interview with CBS.
Photo: Getty Images
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