African American and women's march for freedom unified by vote

Carol Forsloff- Two days ago the nation recognized
the 90th anniversary of the 19th amendment giving women the vote and
today the anniversary of Dr. King's March on Washington, both
that can be memorialized by this election.



Today Glenn Beck and Al Sharpton
have competing rallies in Washington D.C., reflecting a divided nation,
which they both agree exists.  But the freedom given to African
Americans and to women in the right to vote continue to bring questions
to the polls and politicians as they influence the elections.



Today people went to the polls in
some areas of the country, like Louisiana for its primaries, to
demonstrate again "Let Freedom Ring" goes on all over the South with the
registered voters of African Americans combining with the womens' vote.



These freedom recognitions came
historically together as womens' rights and African American freedom
have chummed for generations, beginning before slavery when those who
sought the right for women to vote also fought against slavery.



Again the clamor is heard for
freedom, but the freedom has a different direction, a different tone,
somewhat ambiguous some say, while others maintain they represent the
issues that have not been fully realized in America, despite majestic
claims.



Women are still not on par with men
in politics or in earning power.  African Americans freely go to school
and vote but remain the largest percentage of those in prison in
comparison with their population and the largest percentage of the
unemployed as well.



So the rights are legally in place but the actualization of them continues to grow.



The glass is half empty or half full, depending upon one's view.



But the march of women and African
Americans continues on the road that veers and twists, takes shape in
many ways, turns corners at times but still moves on.  It will finally
reach its home as Dr. King promised, and the 19th amendment made law for
women, of bringing freedom to everyone.



That freedom to vote, to pick one's
leaders can be memorialized the best way, and the victories of those
who sacrificed to achieve them, if everyone steps forward and votes this
November.