Sean Patrick Maloney: “I would like to say that Bella Abzug will not only be remembered for her flamboyant, colorful hats, but for what was…”

“I would like to say that Bella Abzug will not only be remembered for her flamboyant, colorful hats, but for what was under them; her wonderful mind and the voice with which she spoke it and her inspired heart. I am deeply indebted to Bella, and I know many women feel the same way. But I also know that there are many young women who may just take Bella's work and the work of other women before them for granted. I invite them to get to know Bella's memory, because without it we could lose ground. If we begin to take her hard-fought victories for granted, we will lose sight of the work that lies ahead. There is not an American woman alive today who does not command more respect or enjoy more opportunity as a result of Bella's work. Because of Bella Abzug, women today stand a little taller, walk a little prouder, and accept nothing less than what they deserve. Bella broke through barriers; she shattered glass ceilings, she rattled cages, and she set women free.”