Edited by Gerald Boerner
Commentary:
Jeannette Rankin was not just a suffragette and activist/advocate for women and children, she was the first woman elected to a legislative assembly anywhere in the world. She was indeed a pioneer. She represented her constituencies in Montana well. An interesting side note is that she is the only person to vote against the declaration of war resolution in both World War I AND World War II.
She was a follower of the great activists for women in the 19th and 20th centuries. She viewed such strong leaders as Jane Addams, Susan B. Anthony, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton as her role models. She actively spoke in support for a woman’s right to vote as well as their right to fair treatment under the law. She was also a strong supporter of the women’s shelter movement of Jane Addams and her Hull House in Chicago.
Rankin was the role model that paved the way for more women to rise to positions in state and federal legislative bodies as well as executive posts. Progress has been slow and not always steady. The wave of conservatism spreading is its wings again today threatens the social safety net that has been created over the past 50-60 years. We may be in need of more socially-conscience legislatures like Jeannette Rankin.
So let’s start our exploration of this pioneering woman politician… GLB
These Introductory Comments are copyrighted:
Copyright©2011 — Gerald Boerner — All Rights Reserved[ 4189 Words ]
Quotations Related to SUFFRAGE:
“Suffrage is the pivotal right.”
— Susan B. Anthony
“Universal suffrage is the only guarantee against despotism.”
— May Wright Sewall
“Universal suffrage is sound in principle. The radical element is right.”
— Rutherford B. Hayes