Today, I am grateful for my right to cast my vote for President.
I took that right for granted growing up, until I realized women have only been allowed to vote since 1920 - less than 90 years. The suffrage movement started in the mid-1800's, but did not exist at a national level until 70 years later with the 19th Amendment. The passage of the Suffrage Bill took over 4 years and 4 failed House / Senate votes and was finally ratified in the summer of 1920.
Knowing the long struggle of women like Lydia Chapin Taft, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B Anthony, Lucretia Mott, I am thankful for their perseverance on this right that many women in other countries still do not have. I take my voting responsibility seriously.
And to finish off today's Gratitude post, a video link on the subject of women's suffrage - one of my favorite Schoolhouse Rock songs that really rocks. Enjoy. And GO VOTE!
Wonder how many of us doing the challenge will have the same entry today? You and I do!!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Shirley. Susan B. Anthony's speech at trial has always been one of my favorites. Made my students memorize it every year. =]
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