Month: February 2013

Boston, Massachusetts brings to mind many things.

Early American history. Irish immigrants. Prominent political families.

On the above date one of those Boston Irish families of prominence and means welcomed their fourth son into the family. He would spend good portions of his life shadowed by his brothers. However, of all of them, he was by far the longest-lived.

Edward Moore Kennedy lived fast, hard, and reckless as a young man. His academic record was forgettable until he returned to Harvard after two years in the US Army. Perhaps military duty focused his attention. It did not however, eliminate reckless personal behavior.

Many of you know the story. A powerful father. The war time death of his oldest brother. Stepping in to fill the US Senate  seat vacated by his brother John as soon as his age hit the constitutional requirement. More family tragedy with first one and then the next remaining brother murdered. A divorce.  A scandal with drinking, driving, and the death of a young woman. A second marriage. A blocked attempt at higher office. Focus on legislation and the establishment of a solid accomplishments.

How do you see his career? Do you see the ability to overcome early privilege to attain actual progress? Or something else?

Dateline: Adams, Massachusetts.

Today this community in north west Massachusetts boasts a population of 5784. Just shy of two centuries ago it was smaller. Then again, so was the total US population.

It’s also the birthplace of one of the most recognized women of her time: Susan B. Anthony.

This lady of courage and conviction was raised in a stern family with open-minded, abolitionist parents. When the family fell into financial hardship Susan, at the age of 19, began what would become a decade of teaching. This experience also inspired her to fight for equal pay – at the time male teachers received four times the wages for the same work!

A meeting with Elizabeth Cady Stanton in 1851 began decades of friendship and collaboration. Together they and like-minded people worked to promote temperance and equal rights for all (women, people of color). She gained a reputation as an effective speaker and lectured throughout the country.

Alas! Ms Anthony died in 1906, prior to the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment which gives women the vote. Perhaps she was encouraged and fortified by the knowledge that some of the Western states, such as Wyoming, included women among their voters and office holders and insisted they remain when statehood was obtained.

Here’s to a woman of courage and determination!!!