When you read this e-news, I will still be on vacation, and am grateful for the opportunity.
This week marks the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment -- the amendment which prohibits the states and the federal government from denying the right to vote to citizens of the United States on the basis of sex. One would think that was the end of the denial of voting rights for women -- but this was neither the beginning, nor the end of this discrimination. Just like any other injustice, this too was complicated.
Women were already allowed to vote in some states pre-1920, while other states either gave them partial privilege or none at all. The 19th amendment became the 1st step towards justice for women, and yet, not all women were able to vote. More restrictions were put in place that required voters to pay a poll tax or pass a literacy test, which primarily affected poor people and persons of color, or they were denied the right for being married to an Immigrant. Reserving the right to vote for men was made unconstitutional, but women were still not guaranteed that right. 100 years later, the struggle continues. We still fight for that right to all eligible citizens of this country. Click here to read more.
Beloveds, I say all this to remind us that there are many more laws like that, which seem good on paper but in reality there are enough loop holes that allow injustice to continue. There are many other issues, like voting, that our country struggles with right now. Right to healthcare, housing, education for all, and fair taxation -- to name a few. I invite you to read and learn more on these matters. Talk to friends and those who might seem to know more, and even those who differ with our opinion, so we can all make an educated decision at the time of election. Beloveds, our world is in turmoil and needs re-direction.
May we all find a way to do our part to make this world a better place for all, and may God give all of us the strength we need for each day. And remember, I am always your partner in justice and in ministry,
