Jeannette Rankin
1880-1973
Suffragist and First Woman Elected to the United States Congress

Written and Performed by Tori Long
Setting: Washington, D.C., 1968

Jeannette Rankin stands to rally a group about to march in protest of the Vietnam War.

Growing up as a girl was hard. But, I was lucky. My daddy raised me as an equal, taught me to tend the ranch and not to back down no matter the circumstances. When I was young and the boys would tease me. I'd get angry, throw stones at them until they would run off. As soon as they were gone, dad would gently lift my chin and say "My dear, do not sink to their level. Violence fought with violence only creates more hate. One day you'll be higher than any of us could dream of, especially those silly boys. Keep your head high and your shoulders strong." 
(A beat) 
I have raised my voice to fight for what I believe is right before many of you were bornÑ to tend to this country, this land, as I did the ranch no matter how many stones are thrown at me, or how many obstacles I face. 
In 1916, four years before the 19th amendment became law, I did the impossible and earned my seat in congress. I took a risk then by voting against our involvement with world war I, fighting violence with violence. I voted against violence again 1946 opposing the second world war. Here I am today at 87 to stand against the war on Vietnam and protest this act of hate once again. AS the first woman elected to congress and a fervent opponent to war, I have always been deeply conscious of the responsibility that rests upon me. I am certain I have made plenty of mistakes in my timeÑ but voting against war is not one of them. 
I said in 1916 that I was the first woman to be elected a seat, but that I wouldnÕt be the last. I was right about that, and I am here to be proven right yet again. I have fought for most my life, and I will keep fighting until my life is over. Today, with all of you my faith is unshakable, my head is high, and my shoulders strong.