When the nineteenth amendment to the U. S. Constitution was ratified - effectively giving voting rights to women - in 1920, it was achieved only after many years of argument, disagreement, discord, consternation, conflict, overt intimidation and even outright physical violence perpetrated against its supporters, both female and male.
Prior to Amendment XIX, every possible method was employed to prevent its passage, yet still it came about in due time. Similarly, civil rights legislation passed in the 1960's - and especially after John Kennedy's assassination - met with the same types of resistance for decades, only to become law in the end.
Early next year, Nancy Pelosi's expected ascendancy to Speaker of the U. S. House of Representatives - the highest and most powerful political position yet held by a woman in this nation - has been the object of similar fear mongering, ridicule and dire predictions about the terrible eventual results of such an occurrence. However, it is highly likely to occur all the same, and it's about time.
Currently, nothing strikes more anger, fear, loathing and indignation into the hearts, minds and souls of her relentless critics and detractors than the possibility of the election of President Hillary Rodham Clinton in 2008 or thereafter. Has she not yet proven herself as being worthy of this office? What if she were a man?
While it does concern me that the United States is still "too conservative" and may not yet be "ready" for a woman President, and since I am fearful that, if nominated, Hillary Rodham Clinton can't win such an election, what do I know?
Perhaps that's what the critics said just before Amendment XIX was passed in 1920, and before civil rights legislation passed in the 1960's, and we already know what they said about Nancy Pelosi very recently and what they continue to say about Hillary Rodham Clinton to this day.
Hell, maybe it's time, again, for our nation to take yet another bold step forward and place a woman in the highest office in the land. If she's willing and able and qualified, why not?
Although I may have other preferences - such as Wes Clark or John Edwards - for our 2008 Democratic presidential nominee, especially after this year's election results, I am now more certain than ever of one thing . . .
No matter what the so-called critics might say about our presidential candidate, when the nomination process has been completed, I will most assuredly support and vote for him, or her.
Your thoughts and suggestions, please?
Thanks!
Steve
There are far more women in politics in America than Blacks or Hispanics and that is very troubling.
That's just one body, but I am sure if you count the numbers in the House it would be equally the same.