Politics
Hats off to Bella Abzug for Women’s Equality Day — August 26th
Nichola Gutgold writes: Who took over management of Columbia Sportswear Company in the late 1930’s, when it was near bankruptcy, and turned it into the largest American ski apparel company worth $4 billion in 1972? Who ran for US President on Equal Rights Party in 1884 and 1888 and was an American delegate to the first world peace Congress in Paris in 1889? Who is considered the first American woman to be ordained by full denominational authority in 1864, and who also campaigned vigorously for full woman suffrage? more »
Updated: Looking Ahead to 2014 Elections, Voting Laws Roundup 2013
Since the beginning of 2013, and as of August 6, 2013, restrictive voting bills have been introduced in more than half the states: At least 82 restrictive bills were introduced in 31 states. Of those, 7 restrictive bills are still pending in 4 states. Eight states have already passed nine restrictive bills this session. Just recently, North Carolina passed a law that mandates a Photo ID is required to vote, eliminates same-day registration, eliminates pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-old citizens, and reduces the early voting period. more »
The Blues and Red Blues
Julia Sneden writes: The last time I crossed from a red to a blue state, I don’t seem to recall a discernible difference. Oh, the license plates were different, but the language was the same (even if the accent was not), and the federal government was still in charge. In both states I saw churches of every denomination, as well as temples and mosques, and in speaking with citizens of both states, I witnessed wide differences of political opinions (the latter within one family, never mind within one state). more »
"An Invitation to an Expensive Court Battle": Making Your Own Reproductive Health Care Decisions
"The State has extended an invitation to an expensive court battle over a law restricting abortions that is a blatant violation of the constitutional guarantees afforded to all women. The United States Supreme Court has unequivocally said that no state may deprive a woman of the choice to terminate her pregnancy at a point prior to viability. North Dakota House Bill 1456 is clearly unconstitutional under an unbroken stream of United States Supreme Court authority." more »