April 8, 2007

Some Interesting Political History And Trivia

I recently learned something that has short circuited my brain. :-)

Here's a trivia question - who was the first woman to run for President of the United States?

I would have guessed Shirley Chisolm (first African American too) in 1972. However, that isn't correct - even in 'recent' times. Maine senator, Margaret Chase Smith, ran for the Republican nomination in 1964.

The answer to this question is Victoria Woodhull - back in 1872. Now, that is amazing enough in its own right. However, that is only the beginning … She was also the owner of a Wall Street brokerage and adopted political positions that remain highly controversial even today - such as the legalization of prostitution.

One of issues that she was most passionate about was sexual freedom.

"Yes, I am a Free Lover. I have an inalienable, constitutional and natural right to love whom I may, to love as long or as short a period as I can; to change that love every day if I please, and with that right neither you nor any law you can frame have any right to interfere."

All in all, an utterly remarkable woman.

Posted by Gregg.

Filed under Interesting by Editor

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