The Inspiration of the Suffragist
by Kya Reily
Alice
Paul (1885-1977), a Penn alumna who made history in her lifetime as a suffragist
who fought for and ultimately won the right to vote for women in America
I think one of the most inspiring things I have seen lately is the movie “IRON
JAWED ANGELS!!” This is the story of a small group of women who just
would NOT give up!
Alice Paul (played by Hilary Swank) was the driving force at the end of this struggle which took many, many years to win. It was dropped for some time during the civil war. Then resurrected and the struggle began anew. She led this group who persevered through all of the obstacles put before them, up to and including being imprisoned for the voicing of their beliefs.
After going on a hunger strike in protest of their treatment in the prison, these women were force fed raw eggs. They would retch up this horrible concoction only to have the spout put back in their mouths and more forced down their throats. Though these very BRAVE women were very weakened by the appalling treatment they received, they never lost their resolve to see this cause through to its victorious end.
Through organizing parades, handing out flyers, working to get donations. Keeping a constant vigil. Speaking with Congressmen and Representatives. These hard working and determined women have made a difference in our very lives today and should be remembered for their sacrifices!!
The victory these truly inspiring women achieved is a legacy we can all carry on by exercising the right these Iron Jawed Angels provided for us.
I wish to Salute those truly COURAGEOUS women for all that they did to insure that I have a voice and it can be heard!!!
I have been
politically active in my community for about 12 years. I know what a struggle
it is to overcome those that would stop your voice from being
heard. Due in part to the staunch resolve these Angels had, I have not been
imprisoned for voicing my opinion loudly.
We have a big decision to make in November. Every woman voter should take
the time to send a GREAT BIG THANK YOU to those incredible women for all
they have done for us! So let’s follow their example and make our voices
heard!!
PLEASE BE SURE TO VOTE!!
Last I would like to thank Pan for giving me this wonderful forum in which to sing my PRAISES for these INCREDIBLE WOMEN who have given us so much!
