What is National Women's Equality Day?

Photo of purple, white, and yellow women's suffrage flag flying

On August 26th, the United States celebrates National Women’s Equality Day, honoring the fight for women’s rights that began with the first women’s rights convention in Seneca Falls, New York, in July 1848. Organized by Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, Martha Coffin Wright, Mary Ann M'Clintock, and Jane Hunt, the convention introduced the Declaration of Sentiments. This pivotal document addressed the legal and social inequalities faced by women and called for various reforms, including the right to vote. Frederick Douglass, a supporter of women’s suffrage, also attended. After 72 years of relentless advocacy, the 19th Amendment was ratified on August 18 and certified on August 26. Sadly, none of these pioneering figures actually lived to see this victory.

Please remember to vote in your local and national elections. People dedicated their entire lives for us to have this privilege. Be a voice for women as we continue to fight for respect and autonomy today.

Here are some inspiring quotes by Lucretia Mott:

"The great truth which the world has yet to learn is that the equality of men and women is essential to the peace and progress of the world."

"The true remedy for the injustices of woman’s condition is that all men should become as just and benevolent as women have been long forced to be."

Warning: Social Media Is Distorting Your Newsfeed

My husband and I have noticed a shift on socials. We lean politically opposite on different topics, and despite algorithms claiming to show us content we like, we now see a lot of angry, opposing viewpoints. For example, since I follow Democrat content, I now get far-right posts about how much Republicans hate me, and my husband gets posts about how much Democrats hate Republicans. This sudden shift, especially on TikTok, is concerning. Just a heads-up to be aware: companies can slant and control what you see. This becomes rampant near elections because making people angry increases interactions, which boosts profits. As we've seen in past elections, Russia and China have tried to negatively impact our elections and shift our perspectives.

Understanding US Political Factions

Unity in Liberty: A Patriotic Handshake - art by Silver Trumpets
*see more info below

Understanding different viewpoints benefits all Americans. It's damaging for us to have an 'all or nothing' belief system. Political plurality, which acknowledges diverse perspectives within parties, reminds us that individuals who vote for one party (example, Republican or Democrat) may hold varying beliefs than others who voted the same. It's important to recognize the variety of perspectives within both major political parties and to not let politicians, media, or others oversimplify complex issues. 

Political parties are full of factions. Many bring valuable viewpoints, so to break down some common dichotomous thinking, below I’m sharing a list of party factions, their ideology, and some well-known politicians that tend to align themselves with those goals. This table is impartial and is not all encompassing. Some people can lean towards multiple groups within a political party. After the table are examples of issues politicians and voters tend to oversimplify within politics. My goal in sharing this is for all of us to grow in our understanding and avoid pigeonholing other people based on oversimplified labels or assumptions.

I decided to pull together all this information directly due to my current reading, "My Dear Hamilton: A Novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton" by Stephanie Dray. US political parties in the 18th century, like those of today, were not immune to oversimplifying complex issues. Political factions such as the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans engaged in vigorous debates over issues such as the structure of government, states' rights, and foreign policy. These debates often involved oversimplified arguments and rhetoric aimed at rallying support for one side or the other. Additionally, political pamphlets, newspapers, and speeches of the time frequently employed oversimplification to appeal to a broader audience and sway public opinion.

Oversimplification of issues can hinder productive dialogue and effective policy making. Some examples that should put you on alert when you hear or read them: 

• Immigration: Reducing immigration debates to slogans like "build a wall" or "open borders" overlooks the complex factors driving migration and the nuanced solutions required.

• Healthcare: Framing healthcare debates as "repeal and replace" or "Medicare for all" fails to address the challenges within the healthcare system, such as insurance coverage and cost control.

• Climate Change: Generalizing climate change as a debate between "believers" and "deniers" neglects the scientific consensus and the multifaceted solutions needed to mitigate its impacts.

• Firearms: Polarizing gun debates as a choice between "gun rights" and "gun control" overlooks the complex interplay between Second Amendment rights and public safety concerns.

• Foreign Policy: Oversimplifying debates as "military intervention" vs. "appeasement" neglects diplomatic and economic approaches to international conflicts and keeping stability.

My main hope for this post is to help us better embrace a nuanced understanding of political factions to avoid oversimplifying labels and issues. Instead, let's acknowledge the complexity and avoid common one-sided thinking because that damages so many of our relationships. 

* Side note: I had a hard time selecting the best art for this post. I love the one above because of their eye contact and strength. However, the one below is so beautiful and inspiring, I had to include it too! In case you didn't know, since the donkey and elephant were based in satirical comics, in my research, often Democrats are represented by Lady Liberty and Republicans by a bald eagle. I loved these representations much more since both are equally historically rich and inspiring US symbols. 

United Vision: Lady Liberty and the Bald Eagle - art by Silver Trumpets

Silent Recession: Inflation's Quiet Stranglehold

Microsoft Stock Photo

In the realm of economics, some downturns don't make headlines, and their impact often remains hidden beneath the surface. These are "silent recessions" periods of economic stress that don't manifest in the dramatic ways we've come to associate with traditional recessions. However, the impact can be just as significant for those of us who are struggling.

When we read the term "recession," our thoughts often imagine chaotic stock markets, surging unemployment rates, and news headlines dominated by financial turmoil. However, the concept of a silent recession remains somewhat unfamiliar, mainly because most of us keep our financial matters quiet, especially when there are difficulties. The silence intensifies as those around us appear unaffected and also refrain from discussing their own struggles. Nevertheless, I'm here to break that silence and address these issues openly. Food, gas, and basic utility prices are ridiculous right now. Recently I went into my neighborhood Goodwill to look for gently used organizational items. I thought I was being frugal but was shocked to see that even their current pricing was higher than if I bought the items brand new at a Dollar General (or Round to the Dollar stores, as I like to call them).

Here are some ways a silent recession shows itself:

1. Stagnant Wages: People might be working, but since the pandemic, many of us have had to go without raises and we can't keep up with rising costs. While inflation might not be out of control enough to make national news, wages aren't really keeping up with the rising costs of essentials like housing and healthcare. 
   
   
2. Growing Inequality: Economic growth doesn't necessarily mean equitable growth. Even as economic indicators like GDP growth suggest overall expansion, the subtle erosion of economic stability deepens the gap between the affluent and the disadvantaged, amplifying disparities.
   
   
3. Lack of Savings: Escalating living costs can quickly deplete financial reserves, leaving families exposed to unforeseen expenses like medical bills or sudden job losses. People begin living on a "bare bones" budget each month. The absence of savings magnifies the challenges. 

Behind every economic statistic, there's a personal story. The struggle to make ends meet can lead to stress, mental health challenges, and a diminished quality of life. Addressing silent recessions requires a shift in focus from just "economic indicators" shares to the actual well-being of individuals. We all know how vital it is to support organizations that advocate for living wages and the social safety-net programs, like unemployment assistance and welfare, which are lifelines for individuals and families navigating economic downturns. However, we also need to recognize and dismantle any stigmas associated with seeking help during economic uncertainties.

Most of us are feeling the impact of higher grocery bills, adult children facing soaring housing costs, and the unpredictability of fluctuating gas prices. What weighs heaviest on my mind today, however, is the critical importance of bridging the gap between data and lived experiences. Together, we must ensure this recession isn't hidden in silence. My friend and I have been openly discussing the challenges we face in our economy then exchanging tips and strategies to help each other navigate this time. Won't you join us?

Ultimately, addressing silent recessions extends beyond mere acknowledgment; it encompasses the sharing of knowledge and resources while nurturing a sense of community so that we can mitigate the impact on our families and safeguard the well-being of our neighbors.

Widen Your Circle

Sculptures: Sea glass, stone & drift wood 

Ponder this.

Most of the people in your life are probably NOT on the farthest extreme of their beliefs, political or other.

I was looking at those I love in my life, both friends and family, and the fact is they are all fairly middle of the road. I find it to be a waste of time discussing the politicians we support or despise. What really matters are the ideas and values we carry but most importantly, what we do in our individual lives to make change for the better.

Most conservatives I know have faith, love their families and their community. Most liberals I know have faith, love their families and their community. Society, in my personal opinion, has become too enamored with labels and this is to our cost. You are too complex a human to have a label define you completely and when you use a label to define others you minimize them too.

The relationship with the love of my life is a fantastic example of why labels do not work. My fella and I could stand toe-to-toe opposite each other politically. (and we have) But neither of us wear rose colored glasses about the government or the fact that both sides have very rich and corrupt people. We are able to stand side-by-side together in our relationship because we trust each others heart. Our core values match and our ethics are completely on the same page. We love each other and see each other as SO much more than our political labels.

I wrote all the above with this hope: That you'll stop labeling so many people as "enemy" or wrong. And most of all, that you'll stop making a judgement about others based solely on labels. Honestly, I'm guilty this and am working to change.

Now is the perfect time to Love wide, Pray wide, and Widen your circle.

As the short poem goes:

"He drew a circle that shut me out

- Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout.

But love and I had the wit to win:

We drew a circle and took him In!"

-Edwin Markham