Honoring Women’s Equality Day

We interrupt the regularly scheduled coverage of the miscarriage of justice in Texas to wish you a Happy Women’s Equality Day!

While we are obviously still not fully equal any chance to reflect on the work of those women and men who fought for women’s right to vote, and earned it 93 years ago, is a good thing. The right to vote, like many other rights in the United States, is often one that is unfortunately taken for granted.

I challenge each of you to make your voice heard. Make sure you are registered to vote. Encourage everyone you know to register. Educate yourself on the issues and candidates. And then forget party lines and vote with your conscience.

A travesty took place here in Texas this summer, but I will remember in November. I hope you will remember what your politicians have (and haven’t) done for you as well.

The White House blogged this reminder today:

Over half a century passed between the petition and women actually receiving the vote.  And goodness knows there were numerous setbacks along the way. Many who started the journey handed the baton to others to finish it, but the effort continued, and was ultimately successful.

I share this to remind you—and myself—that in the era of tweets and texting, the fierce urgency of now must also be tempered with patience, grit, determination, persistence, resilience and courage. So change often takes time.

In keeping with that thought I also want to encourage you to go beyond the voting booth to make your voice heard. Sign a petition. Start a petition! Join your local chapter of whatever causes move you. Write letter to the editor. Blog. Speak to loved ones and strangers about those issues. PROTEST.

You are far more powerful than you will ever know. Use your power for good.