I missed my son’s graduation last week

I’ve never made a big deal out of Father’s Day. It’s always been a Hallmark Holiday to me – just another excuse for rampant consumerism.

But this year, Father’s Day does hit a little different.

My youngest graduated from high school last week, and I wasn’t there.

I gave up being part of this milestone with him to be on the campaign trail with Dr. Jill Stein – fighting to end genocide, empire, and capitalism.

A photo of Jason’s daughter and son. Jason’s son, Trey, is wearing a purple graduation robe and cap with a gold drape.

I hated to miss this moment, and I’m glad my daughter, his sister, was able to be with him in my place.

We had a long talk about it. Trey knows how proud of him I am. He also knows how important this political journey is.

My kids have been part of my activist journey their entire lives.

I protested the Iraq war with my daughter strapped to my back.

A photo of Jason wearing a t-shirt proclaiming George W. Bush an international terrorist, leaning on a protest sign identifying members of the Bush administration and their involvement in war crimes against the Iraqi people. Jason is wearing a backpack-style carrier with his daughter as a toddler seated inside.

Years later, my son came to protests with me to carry the message on.

A photo of Jason wearing an anti-war t-shirt and kneeling on the ground at an anti-war protest. His son as a young boy is kneeling beside him holding up a sign that says “No War, No Empire, No Occupation.”

I became an activist because I abhor violence and injustice to my very core. All I’ve ever wanted is a world where all of us can coexist, united in our humanity and able to enjoy all of the beauty that makes life worth living.

The moment I became a dad, the urgency of that work went to a whole new level. Now I was fighting for their future, and the future of kids everywhere.

Today, while most Americans are celebrating with cards and giving out gifts like novelty t-shirts and dad gadgets, I sit here thousands of miles away from my own kids fighting a political machine for a shot at justice.

Today, I’m thinking of the children of Gaza who no longer have their fathers.

Today, I’m thinking of the fathers of Gaza who no longer have their children.

Giving up graduation day isn’t much of a sacrifice compared to what we’re fighting for…and I know my son understands that.

I’ve been fighting for climate justice my entire life because I know that change is mandatory – and I also know it is possible.

A photo of Jason and his son at a Palestinian solidarity protest in Seattle. Jason is holding a sign that says “Free Palestine.”

In my 35 years of activism, I’ve watched the twin evils of capitalism and war strip our planet of its natural resources and strip our people of our humanity and dignity.

In one sense I have never been more fearful of what the future holds for them. In another sense, I have never been more inspired by the ingenuity, determination, and commitment of young organizers today.

Our children deserve everything. Every opportunity to thrive and fulfill their destiny. They are the reason I fight so hard.

No, I’m not celebrating Father’s Day today. I am recommitting myself to fighting for them.

In solidarity,

Jason Call
Campaign Manager
Jill Stein 2024

Support Jill Today!

Category: LOCAL NEWS

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Anonymous June 18, 2024 at 9:21 am

Amazing

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Anonymous June 17, 2024 at 10:44 am

Hard core. Way to fight for what you believe in. I’m glad your kids understand that you love them even if you can’t be with them on every important day. I was against the Iraq war and the war in Afghanistan and this war from the outset as well, but I have a hard time believing that picketing is going to change anything. Perhaps you can enlighten me?

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