A Great Moment in History
Today it happened. I wrote about it in my last post. Equal pay for equal work. Today President Obama made such a poingnant speech as he signed the Lilly Ledbetter bill that I thought that sharing the story was an important way to high-lite some of the magnificent women that are paving the way for all of us.
Lilly Ledbetter, who worked at Goodyear, began her quest two decades ago to fight for the right to have equal pay for equal work when she found out that she was being paid less. Two decades later, after going to the Supreme Court and incurring losses of more than $200,000.00—not to mention the losses that will be reflected through her pension and social security—stood next to the President of the United States and watched the bill in her name finally be passed. As President Obama so beautifully stated, this bill is signed in honor of women like his grandmother who reached a glass ceiling, for his daughters who would never have to lose the earnings that they will so rightly work for, and for many other generations to come.
Representative Rosa DeLauro wrote an article today about this moment in the Huffington Post. See below to read her account of the moment:
This morning President Obama made a powerful statement about his priorities for our nation when he signed his first piece of legislation into law. I was so proud and honored to stand with my colleagues beside the president as he put pen to paper, signed his name, and enacted the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.
Even before I got to the East Room of the White House, I felt a real electricity in the air. The hallways overflowed with old friends and colleagues, countless advocates and vocal champions who have spent years fighting to ensure women can get equal pay for equal work.
As we waited in line, Congressmen, Senators, and staffers alike snapped pictures and shared stories. And I thought, “I haven’t been here in 8 years!” It was good to be back. Everywhere I looked I saw smiles. We shared in the excitement of finally getting somewhere. At last, this is what progress feels like.
When Lilly Ledbetter walked by with George Miller, Chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, I reached out — maybe I leapt — and hugged them both. We had all traveled so far to reach this point and, over the last few years, I have come to know Lilly personally as an inspiration and a true warrior for justice. When I finally let her go, there were half a dozen members of Congress and grassroots activists waiting to share their gratitude with Lilly too.
President Obama said it well, just before signing the bill: “Justice isn’t about some abstract legal theory or a footnote in a casebook. It’s about how our laws affect the daily lives and daily realities of people: their ability to make a living, care for their families, achieve their goals.”
That is why Lilly went to that Goodyear plant all those years, worked her heart out, and did her job well. It is why she fought for justice when she learned she had been discriminated against. And it is why, even though today’s victory will not return the decades of fair pay she was denied, Lilly never backed down.
To honor Lilly and all the women on whose shoulders we stand today, we must continue to face gender discrimination head-on. Earlier this month, the House passed the Paycheck Fairness Act and I know the Senate will follow suit to begin eliminating the systemic discrimination women still face. Today, with Lilly Ledbetter at his side President Obama began that process in earnest.
Best Nicole
Normally, I’m not awfully fond of politics in general – but, on occasion we all have to take notice. There are a few excellent issues raised here, and I am considering the point – thank you.
Hi Kent,
Thanks for your comments. I believe great deeds need to be recognized whether they are affiliated via a polital party, organization or association. I am glad that you were able to find some good points in this post.
I hope you will continue to SHARE with us your ideas, opinions and comments again and pass us on!
Best Nicole