Political Quotes

“in August of 1920 the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution was adopted. That amendment granted the right to vote to every American citizen regardless of sex. Today, as I stand here a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, it is hard to believe that a time existed when this basic right of our democracy was not granted to every American. But, of course, it is true. And, as we prepare to celebrate the diamond jubilee of this great occasion, we should not forget those who sacrificed so much for American women. We must remember that a woman's right to vote was not extended because of the good conscience of America's 20th century lawmakers. It came because of the sacrifice of the suffragists who withstood pain and humiliation to ensure that their daughters and granddaughters would have a voice in the destiny of their Nation. Not far from here, a group of suffragist women picketed in front of the White House and were taken by paddy wagon to the Occoquan workhouse--what we know now as the Lorton prison. There they were force fed, beaten, and kept from their families. During National Women's History Month and every day of our lives, we must remember those women. The women of Congress stand on the shoulders of giants--women whose names have been lost to us but who deserve our remembrance and thanks.”