7/3/09

Wise Women Friday: Abigail Adams

Abigail Adams.Image via Wikipedia

Words of wisdom from Abigail Adams, first lady, farmer, mother, intellectual and champion of women's rights:

I can not say that I think you are very generous to the Ladies, for whilst you are proclaiming peace and good will to Men, Emancipating all Nations, you insist upon retaining an absolute power over Wives.

If you do not think that the American Declaration of Independence is a radical and revolutionary document then you have never read it. It changed the world. It is still changing the world. The Declaration of Independence not only proclaimed American freedom from Great Britain, but it provided the language and rationale for every major civil rights campaign in U.S. history. As Adams suggests, the Declaration's ink was barely dry before people denied the full rights of citizenship demanded their piece of the pie. Early abolitionists used the Declaration to highlight the injustice of slavery, and early women's rights advocates echoed the Declaration when they proclaimed that "all men AND WOMEN are created equal." Even today, when Americans talk about equality, when they proclaim it a right, they tie themselves to the language of the American Revolution, the language codified in the Declaration.

The Declaration represents America's highest ideals and promise. Long may it reign.





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23 comments:

Anonymous said...

The Declaration of Independence also serves as an example of excellent penmanship. Happy 4th to you and yours.

Erica said...

What a lovely tribute for July 4th. I'm abroad in England, and this reminded me why I'm so proud of my home!

http://erica-from-america.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Oh, I've got to read more about her.

Shell Sherree said...

There's no shortage of wise women amongst the First Ladies, is there. Happy 4th July, Margaret!

rxBambi said...

I love that you write about strong women. congrats on the BoN, I can't wait to see more.

Petrea Burchard said...

Love her! She was active politically, long before it was fashionable for women to be. I just read (was it in Westways?) that you can tour the Adams home in Quincy, Mass.

Susan C said...

BoN? Blog of Note? I missed it! Congratulations, Margaret! Well deserved.

Shell Sherree said...

Hey, I missed that too - woohoooooo! Congratulations, Margaret and thoroughly and completely deserved! My WV is fooff, which sounds rather festive too, so Fooff!!!!!

Bree said...

Beautiful and inspiring post. Thank you!

Ice Cream 'n Pickles said...

Great blog! :) I've bookmarked you! :)

Jean Spitzer said...

Time to dig up the Declaration of Independence and re-read it. Happy 4th of July!

Cafe Pasadena said...

This I believe:
De Declaration of Indiependence was actually agreed 2 on July 2nd.
The founding dads just had 2 wait for it 2 come back from the printer on de 4th.

You So Pasa's stay safe & sane today! Your celebrating, from dawn 2 dark, is infamous. And, adding little Laurie 2 the mix won't help change that opinion.

Anonymous said...

I was actually just writing about this. I was discussing the HBO series, "John Adams" and how it really brought life to the events that surrounded the Declaration of Independence. I also think that Laura Linney did an admirable job of portraying Abigail Adams as the strong woman that she was.

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Screwed Up Texan said...

Very insightful quote. Happy Independence Day!

Ginger Pena said...

Was just scrolling through blogs of note and found yours. I've subscribed. Great stuff!

Marie said...

Great dedication to the 4th of July and the wisdom of women all over. Nice post.

JCK said...

Happy 4th! I love that quote and your post is truly patriotic and inspiring.

SG said...

Indeed! Happy Independence Day!

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Sarah Anne said...

Yay Abby! She was amazing.

Bec said...

I'm amazed in my argumentation class when I use this as an example how many students haven't really ever read the whole thing. It's inspiring every time I read it!

Margaret said...

Where do you teach, Bec?