suffrage

suf.frage [suhf-rij]

-noun

1. the right to vote, esp. in a political election

2. a vote given in a favor of a proposed measure, candidate, or the like

3. ecclesiactical. a prayer, esp. a short intercessory prayer or petition.

The suffrage movement began in 1776 when Abigail Adams wrote to her husband John, who was attending the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, asking that he and the men who were at work on the Declaration of Independence "remember the ladies." John responded with a laugh citing that the Declaration states "all men are created equally."

Well John, we've come a long way baby. I can only hope that future generations will view gay marriage with the same incredulousness that I have over the history of women's rights. With the election of Barack Obama we are slowly chipping away at the narrow mold that has dominated this country for the past 200 years.

"It was we, the people; not we, the white male citizens; nor yet we, the male citizens; but we, the whole people, who formed the Union."

-Susan B. Anthony