INSPIRATION - The First Ladies
Friday, April 15, 2011 at 11:42AM To learn more about the following and other First Ladies, visit the National First Ladies’ Library.
No matter what your political beliefs, I think that everyone can recognize and respect our country’s outstanding history of leadership. And while I eagerly await the first woman president of the United States (not because I want just any woman in charge, but because I know that the best, most qualified candidate can absolutely be a woman), I relish in exploring a group of remarkable women who have upheld our country’s honor throughout history, the First Ladies.
I recently read Laura Bush’s biography, Laura Bush: Spoken from the Heart, and it inspired me to research more about all of our country’s First Ladies. Honestly, I picked up Laura’s biography because I was feeling a little homesick, and I thought it could be entertaining to read about our mutual hometown, Midland, TX. While my intentions were self-serving, Laura completely took me by my surprise, and I quickly realized that she was so much more than a pleasant wife and mother. I had completely overlooked her devotion to education and literacy including her years teaching and working as a librarian in underprivileged schools, her commitment to championing the causes of Afghan women, her courageous poise as she endured numerous threats and harsh criticism, her unconditional love for her family, and her wisdom.
Very fascinated by all that I found, I decided to read about several other First Ladies. I am completely convinced that any of these women could have stepped in for their husbands and successfully fulfilled the presidential duties. Avoid rushing to judgment as I did. I know that these women will all amaze you, as they did me, with their competence and wisdom.
Michelle Obama –With her impressive education and career life, her commendable campaigns for healthy eating and military families, and her noble decision to prioritize her young daughters during such an overwhelming time
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis – With her diversified intelligence and unfathomable strength, her expertise at international relations, and her successful career as a book editor
Hillary Clinton – With her refreshing sense of balance despite her high-profile career, her groundbreaking achievements that have opened up doors for all women, and her heartfelt dedication to public service
Nancy Reagan – With her Hollywood acting career (performing in eleven feature films), her steadfast devotion and protection of her husband, and her outspoken advocacy for drug prevention and stem cell research
Eleanor Roosevelt – With her courageous and extremely influential role in reform politics, her lifelong career spreading knowledge through her teaching and vast number of writings, and her inspiring vivacity during some of our country's greatest trials
Reader Comments (2)
Eleanor Roosevelt made the "A woman is like a teabag" quote, not Nancy Reagan.
http://www.google.com/search?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=&q=a+woman+is+like+a+tea+bag&oq=a+woman+is+like+&aq=0&aqi=g10&aql=&gs_sm=c&gs_upl=131l9782l0l11368l10l9l0l3l3l0l199l709l3.3l6l0
Thanks, Laura! You're right; Nancy simply admired this quote by Eleanor and re-stated it. Thanks again!