We’re Better Than This

Elijah Cummings lived a life devoted to serving others whether they were in his immediate sphere of influence or as a servant in the United States House of Representatives. He was a fighter, yet kind. Not to take kindness for a weakness. Much of the book is devoted to his fight to do what he could to make sure America maintains its democracy during the age of President Donald Trump. The separation of immigrant children from their parents and the squalor they lived in due to the president’s policies is of special concern. Despite the fragile health of Elijah Cummings he continued to fight on and do whatever he could to shine his light wherever he got the chance. He leaves us with the challenge for America with the title of the book in which he challenges us by saying “We’re Better Than This.” Elijah Cummings did what he could for his country. Now it’s up to us to see that his work is carried onward. The book contains sixteen pages of photographs. I’m purchasing extra copies for friends.

The crap that people of color must endure is stunning. Even politicians face bigotry and Elijah had to deal with some real jerks. I respected him before reading he book. Now, my admiration for all that he does to maintain our democracy can’t be put into words. His value to America is priceless.

Full disclosure, I have always admired and respected the late great Chairman Congressman Cummings. He was a fresh breath of truth and integrity in a time when the “45th” president turned America on its head through lies, crimes, division and full on hate. I actually didn’t know what to expect of this book but knew I had to have it to pass on to my children & grandchildren. This book opens with a moving Forward from Speaker Pelosi. Then the Introduction from the co-writer of this book that brought truth and literally left me in tears. I wasn’t sure I could read the book. I did, I felt the Chairman’s voice and powerful story that helped him govern ethically and fairly. The book is well written. I felt it was a bit rushed because there was so much more to this man then just the crimes of this president. Reading about his childhood and how he equated it to how he lived his life was very enlightening. Many of us from African American families grew up with parents and grandparents who raised us morally, ethically with pride of our heritage regardless of the history of slavery. Slavery was a violation of our humanity and not our shame but that of white America. We learn we are better than the condition of slavery and that knowledge helps us forgive and excel. Elijah Cummings was no different. After reading this book, I immediately went to YouTube for his last speech at the National Press Office in Washington, DC. The bravery and strength of this man. Incredible pain, pneumonia, an aggressive cancer, out of control gout yet he didn’t bow to his physical circumstances. He continued to do his job. Sadly after all his inspiring work, Mitch McConnell didn’t respect the process to hold a legitimate hearing. The sad part about this book is it wasn’t finished, it was obvious as his voice changed to that I presume of his beloved wife Maya Cummings. I think I would have preferred the book to end with chapter 7 the Impeachment chapter. Maybe input from his daughters if it was going to be written by someone other than him. The book was emotional, revealing, makes you wonder about justice in our Congress and how our presidents are elected This Congressman was a protector of the people of his beloved city as well as the citizens and rule of law of this great country. I wonder if the stress of the daily crimes of this administration put additional stress on his health as cancer spirals in a stressful body. Nonetheless, yes I would still recommend this book, I would love to hear from his daughters as they were inspired by his career choice and the man he was. I would expect his beloved wife will write about her life with him and the inspirational figure that was Elijah. The work ethic alone deserves a medal of freedom as he did his job nearly up to the last minutes of his life. Our children should read about this man, as a reference of a powerful figure who worked to save the Democracy of this great country as well as the United States Constitution. This man didn’t have much time to put these word written but what is here is worth reading and sharing with current and future generations. I gave it 4 stars only because the voice changed to his wife, I stopped hearing the voice of the Congressman. The story sort of remains unfinished.

The book reflects later life; however, his early educational experience in primary, secondary school, college and life as a state senator, city council, congressman and long history of health issues rx by excellent doctors should be addressed. The family was strong and supportive with a Christian base within the Pentacostal faith. Congressmen Cummings continues to have a blessed story that should be read by all. Cummings had a remarkable staff when he was a young congressmen. — A Long time friend.

This book is so inspiring. I miss Elijah Cummings voice and spirit. His passion for the law and democracy is what makes America great. He’s an example to follow. With the disfunction that surrounds our politics this book is a beacon of hope. Rep. Cummings was spot on when he said, “We’re Better Than This.”

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