The 19th Amendment - Explosive for All Women and the U.S.A

I'm grateful that my grandmothers and other women before my time were diligent in assuring that women not only had the right to vote, but that women continue to be treated equal to men in this country. Because of them, I've been allowed to vote and have chosen to actually go to my local site to choose the people I believe will be the best leaders.

As I child I was fascinated by the many levers and the secret curtain of the voting booth. My parents knew the importance of both men and women being able to vote. They shared with me the importance of voting for the person you actually believe will do the best job. This often meant that my parents voted for different people and even as a young child, I understood the importance of that choice.

Listening to my dad and other men gathered in our home, it seemed those men often voted for a person because of one strong reason. Of course that depended upon the times and the era. On the other hand, when I listened to the women, it appeared to me they often felt strongly about candidates because of a variety of issues. Everyone wants our country to be strong and to care for its people. But, listening to the women, they wanted someone who followed through- and told them that he/she would be looking into those issues and trying to make changes.

This decade is no different. Right now local communities are facing untold losses because of floods, storms and the problems because of choices of some governmental officials to be lax on their jobs. We need additional strong women to run for office and to get to the bottom of these concerns that have been bubbling for many years. The old boys method should be run out of town and new people - both men and women - who are willing to put their names on the line should end those fiascos. We all would hope that they do not continue to wait until bad times are in the media to come forth with new and better ideas. Also, although small potatoes compared, many women run the check books in their household and understand the need to not spend more than they have. Let them be brave, run for office and show us what they can do.

The 19 amendment took all the strength and fight that women, and some men, could give. At that time many men didn't believe that women knew enough or were smart enough or should be doing anything but raising children in their homes. Women have proven their ability to come forth and make a difference. They are able to stand up and fight for those in need.

However, as is all things, just because someone running for office is a woman, that doesn't mean that she is the best person for the job. Once again, she must prove herself to others and then show by her work that she is able to continue the follow through. At the same time, a woman who just pulls the voting lever without doing her own homework, is doing exactly what those against the 19th amendment feared.

Women of all ages and all walks of life be grateful that you can drive down to your voting place and help your country. Not only should you be grateful, but at your next election, read, study and mull the information in your heart. Then vote from the bottom of your heart for the person you feel is best for you, your family and your country.