Meghan MarkleShe is now actively participating in American politics for her first time. She’s written a letter advocating for paid parental leave and Republican leaders are not happy about it. Some even suggest that she should be stripped from her royal titles.
Paid Parental Leave
Harry and Markle believe in many social issues. They’re full-time philanthropists and one cause dear to them is paid parental leave. The United States does not have a national paid parental leave system. Calling herself an “engaged citizen and a parent,” Markle writes: “I’m writing to you on behalf of millions of American families who are using their voices to say that comprehensive paid leave should not be a place to compromise or negotiate.”
She also correctly notes that most nations with the wealth of the United States “have paid leave policies in place.”
Missouri Republican Strikes back
Missouri Republican Representative Jason Smith heard the plea for rights that many other countries share and he lashed out. In a letter to The Daily Mail, he writes: “Ms. Markle’s latest interference in U.S. politics reignites the question in my mind as to why the Royal Family does not simply strip her and Harry officially of their titles, particularly since she insists on sending this under the pretense of being the Duchess of Sussex.”
Harry and Markle are both outspoken supporters for Black Lives Matter. It seems Smith isn’t a fan either He disregards her plea as “laughable,” and says paid parental leave “is aimed more at helping global elites get huge tax breaks than helping the working families she claims to have dined with.”
We should note at this point that paid parental leave doesn’t need to be a partisan issue. According to the Pew Research Center, there’s been widespread supportFor years, paid family leave has been available. Smith is blocking something that a vast majority Americans, those who elected him, want.
It made no difference
Sadly, that’s neither here nor there. Many hate Markle and denigrate her, so Smith may be trying to win brownie points with constituents by attacking her letter. She’s got just as much a right as anyone to advocate for what she believes in and has a large platform where she may be able to make a difference.
Markle’s letter made no difference. Democrats slashed it from Joe Biden’s budget plan over pushback from Senator Joe Manchin. We will not give up on the fight for paid parental time.