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Speech for the Women’s Equality Day Dinner for the Democratic Women’s Caucus with Indiana Governor candidate, Jill Long Thompson, on Friday, August 24, 2007 “Politics is a contact sport on a hardwood floor with no padding. Women are plenty tough, and we can handle it, but…be prepared.” That provocative comment is from Liz Krueger, New York State Senator. And prepared we must be with a little help from our friends who believe in women and our ability to affect change. It’s time to get out of the bleachers and onto the floor! I’m Susan Sandberg, at-large representative on the Bloomington City Council and Vice Chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus. There is no ONE woman who inspires me…you all do! And we all stand on the shoulders of countless women whose collective efforts have raised us up. So…a few thoughts for Women’s Equality Day: One of my favorite authors, Edna Ferber, wrote this in her 1929 book, Cimarron…”If American politics are too dirty for women to take part in, there’s something wrong with American politics. Something wrong, indeed. “Add women, change everything” is the new motto of the White House Project and I love this one. Add women, change everything. As more of us join the ranks, maybe American politics won’t be so dirty. Add women, change Indiana! To our guest, Jill Long Thompson, candidate for Indiana Governor….you had my vote at hello! The late congresswoman, Patsy Mink said….”National policy is not only building war machines to kill. National security is as much a policy of the living…who prefer life over death, wellness over sickness, work over idleness, education over illiteracy, and food over hunger.” Ladies and gentlemen, never forget the political contributions women have made over the years to promote life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness – which include peace and prosperity for everyone. If we’ve learned anything about women’s equality, it’s that our rights aren’t won by sitting back and waiting for others to give them to us. As we take progressive steps forward, there are plenty of folks with special interests ready to push us back. Sometimes the backlash comes with a rushing force, often it is so subtle we don’t see it coming. But we must be ever vigilant of those who erode women’s rights in the name of “family values” or…”our own best interests” and other creative boondoggles to keep us down and out of power. As I serve on the Bloomington City Council and run to keep my seat this year, I’m inspired by a host of wonderful women just like you! And to the men in our audience, we love you, we appreciate your support, and we welcome your encouragement. |
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PAID FOR BY SANDBERG FOR CITY COUNCIL, TOMI ALLISON, CHAIR, CHARLOTTE ZIETLOW, TREASURER |