Principles

We tend to forget the struggles that go into major change in a culture. There are many examples, of course, but I thought I would look at the single issue today of women gaining the right to vote.

Jeanette Rankin from Montana was one such trailblazer for women’s suffrage. After graduating from what is now University of Montana, she eventually headed to Washington to be a lobbyist with the National American Woman Suffrage Association. She spoke across the country in favor of women’s right to vote. Her grassroots effort enabled women in her home state voting rights in 1914.

She ran for and won a House of Representatives seat as a progressive Republican two years later. When President Woodrow Wilson rallied Congress to support entry into World War I saying it would, “make the world safe for democracy,” Jeannette along with 49 others, voted against going to war. Her explanation was, “How shall we explain to them the meaning of democracy if the same Congress that voted to make the world safe for democracy refuses to give this small measure of democracy to the women of our country?”

She continued to work on women’s suffrage until it was ratified in 1920 after her term ended.

She threw her hat into the ring again in 1940 when she won a U.S. House seat. Again there was a vote to support war, when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and Jeanette voted the lone vote against going to war. Her explanation was, “As a woman I can’t go to war, and I refuse to send anyone else.” This time much harassment, ridicule and slander were thrown at her.

Her pacifist stance wasn’t popular. Jeanette knew in a democracy those that are affected by the rule should also have a say in who and what is put in place to rule.

I credit Jeanette with voting by her principles. Today we are offered two main parties from which to choose. I research each one to see if biblical principles are being exemplified or simply sensationalism is splashed all over the media to gain a vote.

This year and in years to come, it is my prayer, you will seriously consider the candidates and also, once they are in office, correspond with the chosen winner to let them know you are watching.

Blessings to you as we venture forth in these roaring 20’s!

For further reading:

https://www.history.com/topics/womens-history/jeannette-rankin