Yesterday’s press conference with the Epstein survivors prior to the house vote to release the Epstein files should be mandatory viewing for elected officials. In today’s polarized political climate, self-preservation has become King. This press conference serves as a reminder to politicians that they are elected to represent Americans, not themselves. Particularly America’s children, the most vulnerable among us.
While these survivors are now grown, they were once children, abandoned by a system that was supposed to protect them. Children who were exploited and groomed by the wealthiest and most well-connected people in our country, and the world. The bravery it took to come forward knowing who and what they were up against is inspiring and should be motivating to all of us.
This is a rare bi-partisan issue. This was an abject failure of leadership through several administrations; both parties are to blame. A rare opportunity now exists for politicians from both sides of the aisle to come together and confront the sins of the past. As one survivor eloquently stated, “Standing on the right side of history is not a comfortable place to be.” This moment requires that our elected officials make themselves uncomfortable. While they seemingly met that moment yesterday passing the Epstein File Transparency Act, what happens now is yet to be determined. Maximum pressure must be kept on our elected officials, particularly the President, to make sure these files are released in a timely manner and in their entirety. President Trump has always had the power to order the release of the files, with or without Congress.
As one survivor bravely proclaimed, “If you come for one of us, you come for all of us.” May we all be as bold as the survivors that come forward to seek justice for themselves, and all those that came before and will come after. We here at Bradshaw & Bryant are proud to stand with survivors in the fight for accountability that has eluded them for far too long.
You can find the link to the press conference here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kq_n_vNHfJk
