NATIONAL HOMAGE

        SOJOURNER TRUTHThe nation celebrated Martin Luther King Day last Monday. It was a National Holiday with government offices closed in homage to an African American man who made a difference. A difference not only for his race but also for the country.

        There were many kinds of celebrations as people came together to hear speeches and tell stories; to learn and to share experiences. Some used the day to contribute their time to charitable pursuits.

        We heard of something that is seldom seen AND NOT CONSTITUTIONALLY PROHIBITED corporate charity. In light of the present thrust of government-sponsored, unconstitutional religious agendas with the Bush demand for faith based initiatives, it impressed us.

        All hands at Network Performance, Inc. of South Burlington, Vermont celebrated MLK Day by cleaning, fixing and reconfiguring the computers at a local Children's Aid Society without charge.

        Last week also saw the celebration of the 30th year of Roe v. Wade but people did not come together; rather, pro-choice women celebrating the court's decision were often drowned out by the media's close attention to those who want Roe overturned.

        "Danger, danger, Will Robinson"! Complacency is no longer an option as Ellen Goodman observed:

        "There was a moment last month when the Bush administration overturned Roe v. Wade. You may not have noticed because it happened in Bangkok - out of sight, out of media mind." http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/019/oped/A_warning_bell_on_Roe_v_Wade+.shtml

        And last week saw one of the bravest women we know announcing her new book, The Woman Who Wouldn't Talk, by Susan McDougal with Pat Harris and [contributor] Helen Thomas.

        "Whitewater figure Susan McDougal was one of the most controversial, if peripheral, players during the Clinton-era scandals. When she refused to answer questions posed by Ken Starr's lawyers in front of a grand jury, she was held in civil contempt and sent to jail. This tactic, meant to force cooperation, backfired. McDougal spent 21 months in jail and became the poster girl for the excesses and overreaching of the Office of the Independent Counsel (OIC)." -- Booklist

        The events of last week got us to thinking of the brave women in the past that sacrificed so much for us. Women, little better off than slaves themselves in the 1800's, saw their efforts in the Abolitionist Movement bear fruit as Amendments 14 and 15 were passed in 1868 and '70 giving Blacks the vote. Strike that and substitute "giving Black MEN the vote!"

        It was not until August 26, 1920 that the 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote. "Women gained the vote in 1920 after 72 years of the LARGEST civil rights movement in the history of the world." http://www.thelizlibrary.org/SUFFRAGE.HTM

        Now, taking nothing away from King and his life spent bringing the country's attention to the lack of civil rights afforded to Blacks, we ask, "Why is there no National Holiday commemorating these women who stood for all of us?" Surely National homage should be paid to the LARGEST civil rights movement in the history of the world?

        We understand that one of the arguments is always, "there are too many holidays already." Fine, then we could share one, just as Washington and Lincoln have given up individual birthdays to share one President's Day.

        July 4th would be appropriate. It is a joyous day that celebrates freedom and independence. It could also encompass a celebration of the emancipation of women. It would finally signify that we are more than just wives and mothers, more than just a government-owned uterus on legs.

        Certainly there are countless heroic women, like Sojourner Truth, who have contributed mightily to humanity and freedom.

        Helen Thomas writes of still another important and courageous woman.

        "Sarah McClendon, a familiar face on the Washington news scene, died this week, but she will not soon be forgotten. The White House correspondent was known for making presidents squirm with her tough, pointed questions that they tried to ignore. But she persisted and often made them answer her. What a trailblazing career she had, shattering old traditions of male domination of journalism and crusading for the rights of women, veterans and the disadvantaged." http://www.thebostonchannel.com/helenthomas/1893155/detail.html

        Are American woman slated to be only the cheerleaders and never deemed worthy of playing in and enjoying the rewards of the game?

        No one has ever said it more succinctly. Truth speaks to the heart of every woman of every age.

        AIN'T I A WOMAN?
        by Sojourner Truth
        1851 speech delivered at the Women's Convention in Akron, Ohio

        Well, children, where there is so much racket there must be something out of kilter.

        I think that 'twixt the Negroes of the South and the women at the North, all talking about rights, the white men will be in a fix pretty soon.

        But what's all this here talking about?

        That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere.

        Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place!
              And ain't I a woman?

        Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me!
              And ain't I a woman?

        I could work as much and eat as much as a man -- when I could get it -- and bear the lash as well!
              And ain't I a woman?

        I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother's grief, none but Jesus heard me!
              And ain't I a woman?

        Then they talk about this thing in the head; what's this they call it?
                      [member of audience whispers "intellect"]
        That's it, honey. What's that got to do with women's rights or Negroes' rights? If my cup won't hold but a pint, and yours holds a quart, wouldn't you be mean not to let me have my little half measure full?

        Then that little man in black there, he says women can't have as much rights as men, 'cause Christ wasn't a woman!

        Where did your Christ come from? Where did your Christ come from?
              From God and a woman!
        Man had nothing to do with Him.

        If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back, and get it right side up again! And now they is asking to do it, the men better let them.

        Obliged to you for hearing me, and now old Sojourner ain't got nothing more to say.

        twanda@sover.net

        2003-004

        Copyright 2003 Renee T. Louise and Ruth M. Sprague, Ph.D. These articles may be republished for noncommercial use only, provided that they are copied intact, and that this copyright notice is attached. Address all queries to: twanda@sover.net.

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