March 29th 2002

Barbara Lee, Margie and Lily Tomlin's check
I couldn’t help myself. I had to have Lily’s check blown up so I could present it to Rep. Lee just like in the movies!

We did an extraordinary thing. As Rep. Barbara Lee sailed to a primary election victory (with a huge amount of room to spare!) the Feb. 3 fund-raiser passed the $22,000 mark. From my point of view, I think this qualifies as serious money! These funds came from hundreds of contributors from all over the United States who answered the call to support this remarkable leader and her commitment to peace and justice.

Certainly, this effort succeeded because a gang of multi-talented co-hosts joined me in putting their shoulders to the wheel. They included Lily Tomlin, Jewelle Gomez, Danielle Donovan, Barbara Brust, Diane Sabin, Boo Price, Susan Brennan, Deborah Drysdale, Tracy Gary, Barbara Scott, Léonie Walker, Kate O’Hanlan and Dorothy Abbott.

Left to right, co-hosts included Dorothy Abbott, Diane Sabin, Jewelle Gomez, Barbara Scott, Barbara Brust, Deborah Drysdale, Kate O'Hanlon, Léonie Walker, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Margie, Danielle Donovan, Amanda Piasecki, Susan Brennan, Barbara Price. Here in spirit: Lily Tomlin and Tracy Gary.
Left to right, co-hosts included Dorothy Abbott, Diane Sabin, Jewelle Gomez, Barbara Scott, Barbara Brust, Deborah Drysdale, Kate O’Hanlon, Léonie Walker, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Margie, Danielle Donovan, Amanda Piasecki, Susan Brennan, Barbara Price. Here in spirit: Lily Tomlin and Tracy Gary.
We all know the next part of Congresswoman Lee’s campaign, as she faces Republican opposition, will be much harder. That’s why the fund-raising effort was crucial for generating “early money” support and enthusiasm inside and around her campaign.

Besides raising “serious money” for Rep. Lee, I did have another agenda – maybe a better word is “wish.” I wished she would experience what it feels like when women get together as a community to celebrate and support each other’s work – at events for our organizations, at fund-raising receptions and the like. I hoped our event would infuse her with women-loving energy and spirit.
 
 

Barbara Brust presents Rep. Lee with an envelope filled with contributions from 32 cities across the United States.

Barbara Brust presents Rep. Lee with an envelope filled with contributions from 32 cities across the United States. It was Barbara’s idea to take our fund-raiser on-line.
My deepest joy is that the women who gathered to honor Congresswoman Lee showed and shared just that energy and spirit with her and she recognized it. When she walked into my house, the room erupted in spontaneous cheering that nearly lifted the roof off.

When I saw Rep. Lee at a recent event, she went on and on about how exceptional our event was. Then she took me aside and told me quite pointedly that I should let her know if there was anything she could do to support the work we are engaged in as feminists. “I’ll be there,” she said. And I believe her. Because when the chips were down and every other so-called progressive politician took cover, Barbara Lee was there – standing… holding a place for the principled dissent and vibrant progressive feminism.
 

Congresswoman Barbara Lee
Congresswoman Barbara Lee

Barbara Lee For all of your who sent checks in, thank you for joining me in this grassroots fund-raising effort to support a truly courageous and patriotic woman – Rep. Barbara Lee.

 
Onward and Outward!
Margie's signature
 
 
Photography: Joan Bobkoff