The Changed Face of American Politics
The first U.S. congresswoman (representing her native Montana) could vote for herself in 1916 but not for a presidential candidate.
Jeanette Rankin lost her next run after opposing America's entry into World War I. Her continued pacifism (above, in 1932, at age 51) led to a second term in 1940. She thereupon became the one lone legislator to vote against declaring war on Japan after Pearl harbor.
posted by jm at 6:23 PM
8 Comments:
A woman of integrity and courage, apparently.
Thank you for bringing her to us so we may remember her as we contemplate changes and envision our future.
Singular too. Strong identity.
She just appeared to us and I didn't know anything about her.
as we contemplate changes and envision our future.
Yes.
I had vague recollection of her since she was part of the women's movement in Washington.
I'm glad for the nudge, i just went and read about her on the net, don't we just love this instant access?
For the most part i love the time and place i live in. Looking back, looking around, now and here looks pretty good. Still, i can imagine better.
I like this time too, although I think many of them are equal when you total the plusses and minuses.
So far we're lucky to be free of major war. Lotsa hardship when that comes down.
I think we're in a fairly good time overall and I expect that to continue.
Lot of good things in Jeanette's chart.
June 11, 1880, Missoula, Montana.
Sun/Venus in Gemini. Bet she made some good speeches. Mercury in Cancer. Emotional appeal.
Tight Moon/Mars conjunction in Leo. And Saturn and Jupiter in Aries.
Lots of confidence in this lady. Sense of self. I love how she continued solo on her path, even losing her seat because of her convictions, and then regaining it.
The Aries and her pioneerism. First congresswoman is quite an achievement. Followed her own path too.
I'm surprised she isn't more elevated in history.
OMG, what a doll! Here's a picture of her and you can really see that Aries/Leo.
A fine lady
Rankin was convinced that Franklin D. Roosevelt had deliberately provoked the Japanese attack
Brave, too.
There are indications or hints that Rankin was right about FDR, if memory serves... A good book on this topic of presidential militarism is "Addicted to War: Why the US Can't Kick Militarism" by Joel Andreas.
Thanks for the link kj.
Addicted to War: Why the US Can't Kick Militarism"
I think it's impossible to fully understand this so common act in man's history.
It's odd that we have a conscience to perceive it as wrong but continue in full force to commit the act.
That's why I'm intruiged by this woman's unwavering stance.
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