While we're giving it up for Obama -- and some misguided individuals are doing the same for Palin -- let's not forget the two women who made their nominations possible. Shirley Chisholm; born of immigrant parents, was the first woman and person of African descent to cinch the Democratic party nomination for President of the United States in 1972. Years later, Geraldine Ferraro was the first female VP candidate for a major party.
There are a few similarities between Obama and Chisholm; they sent older White Dems and Republicans running but found their support in young voters. Ferraro fought her way to the top; first as the ADA of Queens, New York and later as the head of the Special Victims Bureau (prosecuting rape, child abuse, spousal abuse cases and the like). Geraldine knew that women's rights extended beyond deciding what color lipstick you wear and she didn't charge women for their own rape kits. Who gives a shit if you get reimbursed? In this economy, you may not have an option to spend 5k proving your case.
The impact of these two amazing women; defying the odds to be nominated for president and vice-president has had a lasting effect on the U.S. and the world. Shirley Chisholm even got a shout out from Biz Markie in his rap anthem Nobody Beats the Biz.
On November 4th, it's more than the presidency that's at stake. House and Senate seats will be up for grabs. Many of the candidates gunning for that number one spot will be pro-choice, female Dems. Emily's List is a group working towards getting progressive women in office. In several swing states, candidates such as Mary Jo Kilroy (House-OH), Christine Jennings (House-FL) and Kay Hagan (Senate-NC) need our help. Reach out to your moms, grandmothers, aunts and other female relatives who may not be able to see beyond the Vaseline, beauty queen smile of Sarah Palin.
If we're going to go, we have to go hard!
There are a few similarities between Obama and Chisholm; they sent older White Dems and Republicans running but found their support in young voters. Ferraro fought her way to the top; first as the ADA of Queens, New York and later as the head of the Special Victims Bureau (prosecuting rape, child abuse, spousal abuse cases and the like). Geraldine knew that women's rights extended beyond deciding what color lipstick you wear and she didn't charge women for their own rape kits. Who gives a shit if you get reimbursed? In this economy, you may not have an option to spend 5k proving your case.
The impact of these two amazing women; defying the odds to be nominated for president and vice-president has had a lasting effect on the U.S. and the world. Shirley Chisholm even got a shout out from Biz Markie in his rap anthem Nobody Beats the Biz.
On November 4th, it's more than the presidency that's at stake. House and Senate seats will be up for grabs. Many of the candidates gunning for that number one spot will be pro-choice, female Dems. Emily's List is a group working towards getting progressive women in office. In several swing states, candidates such as Mary Jo Kilroy (House-OH), Christine Jennings (House-FL) and Kay Hagan (Senate-NC) need our help. Reach out to your moms, grandmothers, aunts and other female relatives who may not be able to see beyond the Vaseline, beauty queen smile of Sarah Palin.
If we're going to go, we have to go hard!
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