She's a tiny powerhouse, hair in ringlets, face of an angel, but when she wants something to happen, woe unto those who stand in her way. Her name is Rachel, and because of her, we're all a lot safer than we were yesterday. Really. Safer.
One of the things we discover as years pass is just how much discipline, determination and talent it takes to win a big battle. People who win show up on the front page, on the evening news, in Talking Points Memo... all over the place. It looks so great to be the one taking the bow. Most of the time, nobody knows what it took to get there. Can't imagine, and probably, don't care. But I know. And I care.
Just weeks ago Congress, by huge margins in both houses, passed what the Wall Street Journal called "The biggest overhaul of U.S. product-safety rules in a generation." It's going to make a real difference in our lives and the lives of our children - and theirs. And one of the people who made it happen, quoted "above the fold" and interviewed all over the place after the bill passed, who ate, slept and worked this bill 24 hours a day for close to two years, is my friend Rachel Weintraub. (Ms. Magazine did a story about her called "Rachel and Goliath".)
And while she was so determined to get the bill (remember, I said she was determined?) she never took time off from being a remarkable mother, wife and friend. When we first began living an observant Jewish life, it was Rachel who took the time to teach me; who took phone calls at weird times when I was in Giant and needed to know if something was kosher or what to do on a holiday. Who taught me how to light Sabbath candles. Who was always ready with a meal for a family with a new baby or a sad loss.
Mother to two beautiful children, it was Rachel who, with her husband Scott, created an amazing home with lovely rituals for her family that will build strong, joyous memories, and then sat up until 2 in the morning (literally) reviewing documents and amendments, who cooked Shabbat dinners while on conference calls and birthday cakes while dealing with a disparate and sometimes fractious coalition.
I guess she's not a saint, but she's a pretty amazing woman and someone whom I admire deeply. I'm not sure I can describe the energy and concentration it took to get this bill to happen; how she went days on 4-5 hours of sleep a night because documents had to be dealt with and she waited to do the work until after the kids were asleep, not to mention all the discouraged periods when it looked like it wasn't going to work. But she never stopped.
So next time you notice that children's toys and other products are now being tested independently and before they go on the market instead of after someone gets hurt, and that there are new toy safety standards, or that those nasty phthalates are gone from sippy cups and water bottles, or that there's more enforcement going on because the budget is doubled, that's why.
Think about the powerful interests that fought this comprehensive bill, and the coalition members with particular interests who needed to guarantee that their perspectives were represented in the final bill and you'll understand what a miracle it is that it happened. And with huge majorities in both houses.
So if you're inclined, post a thank you here and I'll see that she gets it. It's not much to do - and she deserves thanks - from all of us.
Thank you, Cynthia, for sharing the often-overlooked real-life person behind the positive changes in our world. Thanks also to Rachel, for doing what the rest of us "can't find the time" to do, but know needs to be done. If only SOMEONE will take care of it. Kol hakavod!
(As an aside, thanks to both of you for adding to the sum of the light. Every additional Torah observant Jew hastens the Geula!)
Posted by: rutimizrachi | August 29, 2008 at 02:32 AM
I'm forwarding this post on to my daughters who are mothers to my four wonderful grandchildren. We'll all thank Rachel for her efforts and the sleep deprivation she endured to make it all happen. Major victory for moms and kids. Thank you, Rachel.
Posted by: MMH | August 26, 2008 at 12:02 PM
Thank you, Cindy, and thank you, Rachel!
I appreciate your hard work, especially on behalf of my toddler son and soon-to-arrive baby daughter.
Posted by: Liza | August 19, 2008 at 12:28 PM
Kudos and many thanks to Rachel. We all benefit from your strength and determination. We think you are great! Cindy, thanks for sharing
Elley
Posted by: elley | August 18, 2008 at 08:38 PM
Wow! This is wonderful. Thank you for participating in the Carnival of Overdue Thanks. It is an honor to include you (and Rachel!)
Posted by: Juggling Frogs | August 18, 2008 at 05:36 PM
I will pass both of these along -- and with them the impressive provenance of the senders.
Posted by: Cynthia Samuels | August 18, 2008 at 03:50 PM
Rachel sounds like an amazing woman. Thank her for her hard work. And thank YOU for sharing her story!
Posted by: Donna | August 18, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Congratulations Rachel for your determination and hard work.
Posted by: Ilana-Davita | August 18, 2008 at 03:33 AM