Extra

In television news, it is popular in recent times to hit our VP with the "Dysfunctional" bomb. It is a derogatory remark, it is a sexist remark, it is an insult, and it has no connection with the truth. 

The term "Dysfunctional" has an Alameda County ring to it. I've lived in Alameda County in my past, I've worked there, and I've been jailed there. I know that the terminology is reminiscent of locals there. The Vice President is a woman. "Dysfunctional" would never be used to describe a male politician. Therefore, the label is sexist in this instance. Men could be called "corrupt" could be associated with the term "cronyism" or could be called incompetent. The term dysfunctional is intended to create a groundswell of sexist, anti-psychology bigotry. Since I've been involved in the mental health treatment systems in both Contra Costa and Alameda Counties, I'm aware of the word being occasionally used. The word has no place in politics, unless you'd like to refer to Trump appointing family members who can't do the job to important cabinet roles. 

I'm very happy that the VP is from Oakland and Berkeley, and I'm happy that her birthdate is close to mine. I happen to like our Vice President. If she seems county-ish, it is a good thing, not a bad one. It makes her more relatable. Politicians should be accessible to the people. Having a county-ish VP implies accessibility. 

Those who oppose the VP have yet to come up with anything substantial to pin on her. So, they resort to insults of Alameda County origin. I'd say, wait until she actually does something wrong, and then criticize. Meanwhile, we have a first. Harris is the first female VP, the first Asian VP (one parent from India) and the first Black VP. It reflects who we've become as a nation, and it is a good thing, not a bad one. Harris has a lot to do with the fact that Biden was elected. Biden might not be in office if it wasn't for Harris being on the ticket. 

Maybe someday I'll meet Harris in person if I haven't already (I could have without being aware of it) and we could swap stories of Oakland and Berkeley. Residents can be proud of having a VP who is from where we live.