HERstory 89 years in the making...

Yesterday (August 18) marked the 89th anniversary of the Tennessee legislature's ratification of the 19th amendment.

One week from today, August 26 - Women's Equality Day, we celebrate the anniversary of the 19th amendment officially becoming a part of the US Constitution--at long last extending the vote to women!

Now if we can only work on getting equal recognition THROUGHOUT the Constitution...

Photo: Inez Milholland Boissevain seated on a white horse at the National American Woman Suffrage Association parade, March 3, 1913, Washington, DC. Courtsey of flickr.com/Bobster855

Attack on Affirmative Action/Women's Progress

Monday, July 13th, is a big day for America. At least it should be. On that day, the Senate will debate whether or not to select President Obama's Supreme Court nominee, Sonia Sotomayor, for the court. If she is selected, she will be the third woman, and the first Latin American, to serve on the highest court setting.

There are many who support Sotomayor being selected to the Supreme Court. Many

However, the Conservatives in office are trying to make sure this does not come to pass. She's been criticised as being a reverse racist and playing favorites. And Third Branch Council Chairman Manual Miranda is urging the Repubicans in the Senate to postpone hearings on her nomination until after August. The longer we wait, the longer serious cases go unheard. This also gives the right-wing more time to throw more attacks at Sotomayor and further weaken her chances to be on the Supreme Court.

We must urge the Supreme Court and the Senate for their support, and without delay. So take the time to sign this petition, and let them know how serious of an issue this is.

Michelle Obama - should she be more active in the White House?

I think Michelle Obama is an interesting case. Not only is she the wife of the first African American President, but she is also a Princeton grad, a fashionista, and a mother of two children. Clearly, Mrs. Obama has a lot on her shoulders, but I constantly wonder why she is not motivated to be more active in the White House.

At the University of California Merced, Michelle spoke to the graduating class and urged them to be bold and embrace challenges. Her words are wise, and she continues to successfuly caputre the nation with her friendly aura. Students at the university were very happy to have Michelle there, and one student commented on the role Michelle Obama plays.

"I think she's just a new modern type of role model for women. She's incredibly intelligent, well spoken, and she's just interesting," she said.

"It's very good to see the White House pushing people to help others. That's what my university's always done too." (Piya Radia, BBC Newsbeat)

I agree with Piya, Mrs. Obama is a role model. But still, I long for a woman in the White House, not just a Mom-in-Chief, which I think is great, but a Woman-in-Chief. During the Clinton Presidency, we all know that Hillary was very active, and she was able to make positive changes. Now, I hope, Michelle will realize the power of her position and maybe take on some more polticially charged tasks. Of course, she's already been around the world and is helping, I just want to see more! I have high hopes for both President Barack Obama and Michelle.

Senator Boxer speaks at LA FMF

On Monday, June 29th, US Senator Barbara Boxer (CA) spoke at the Feminist Majority Foundation in Los Angeles. Senator Boxer addressed FMF interns and staff as well as the Women’s Political Committee (WPC).

One of the strongest voices in the Senate for women’s right to choose, Barbara Boxer has been supported by the WPC and Peg Yorkin, Chair of FMF's Board of Directors, since her election to the House of Representatives in 1982. She is now serving her third term as a US Senator and is running for re-election in 2010.

With a sense of humor regarding her grandson’s observation of her hair remaining blond while her husband’s gets grayer, she also dove into more serious issues such as the environment, women’s international rights, and her upcoming election.

She emphasized the importance of campaign contributions in her upcoming election, in which former Hewlett-Packard Chief Executive Officer Carly Fiorina has said she might run.

She also addressed the FMF and Ms interns in attendance, who numbered over 20. “To the interns,” she said, “you couldn’t be at a better place. What you will learn here [at FMF is] that you can be anything you set your mind to… I am very glad you’re here, learning self respect and self confidence.”

She stated that maturity is reached when you are not afraid to do what is right, such as contradicting someone who says something wrong or unjust. That, she says, makes you a leader.

She was optimistic about the future, though she did allude to the inequality still present in our society, such as the gender wage gap. “We’re still not earning what we should,” she said in reference to women.

She also acknowledged that women have made strides, such as the recent passage of the Lilly Ledbetter Act.

She pointed out the need for women to participate more in the political process. “We are a majority. When women vote, women win, and I believe families win.”

-Kimberly Young, Choices Campus Leadership Intern-