Election day always brings out the best in my optimism (except for last year, of course, and don’t forget 2000 and 2004, which were painful at the time but are beginning to look elegant in hind-sight). It is an annual reminder that we have choices, and we have power. When the current personnel are not working out for us, we can always vote the bums out.
This particular year we are also celebrating the victory of women’s suffrage by election. One hundred years ago, a majority of American voters—all men—decided that women should have the right to vote. It’s a powerful moment in US history. When Congress enshrined the right in the Constitution in 1920, it was an important guarantee of the most sacred rite of citizenship for all. It made the struggle worthwhile.
While we celebrate the victories, let’s also be mindful of the dangers. Constant vigilance is needed, because there may always be people in power and benighted communities who seek to deny voting rights to those who might not vote their way. There certainly are plenty of those deniers today. Let’s shine a light on the struggle for real equality. And let’s vote!
Bruce
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