For politicians to pontificate about what women’s place in life should be is neither new nor shocking. One can reasonably argue that the thought that it is fine for women to reach their full potential as long as they do it within the boundaries set by their male counterparts has existed since the beginning of time.

In politics, this subject has long rested just beneath the surface of many mundane political issues and ebbed or flowed at the whim of politicians who deemed it politically expedient to them to resurrect it.  The use of this tactic had the same effect on a campaign as a shot of adrenaline does on the human body; it helped to spike support for the politician who employed it and catapult them ahead of their opponent before losing its effect.  Once the desired effect was accomplished, the tactic was discontinued.

This time; however, as the 2014 midterm elections approach, things are different.  Women are under siege.  They are under siege by Republicans who have declared war on them for personal political gain.  Whether this war is being waged by mainstream Republicans or those on the fringe, is not the primary concern.  The primary concern is that if they are successful in their effort to roll back the clock to pre Roe vs. Wade, women will be in real trouble.

There is no doubt that many women are aware of this struggle and are monitoring it and will cast their vote to let our lawmakers know where they stand no matter which side they support.  But there are likely many women who, for various reasons, prefer to skirt politics.  This is extremely dangerous under today’s circumstances for any woman who is interested in the right to make her own decisions and retain control over her own body.

This women’s right fight goes beyond a woman’s right to choose when she wants to start a family and how many children she and her spouse want to have.  There is also an equal pay for equal work battle that is being waged.  For some unknown reason these same politicians who are against women having control over their own body are against women receiving equal pay for equal work.  Currently, women receive about 77 cents on the dollar for doing the same work as her male counterpart and they make up more than 60% of all of those who earn a minimum wage.  This is not right.

I read an article in Woman’s Day Magazine that was written by Ruth Moore titled Fighting for What’s Right.  The gist of the article was that she fought a very long and hard battle that spanned decades before she was vindicated and received, at least, some degree of satisfaction for what she was forced to suffer through.

My takeaway from her article was her vigilance, tenacity and determination.  Because of these attributes she was able to establish a pathway to justice for other women in the military.  All female soldiers, including other victims who are still seeking justice, can now stand on her shoulders and feel more secure in their surroundings.  They can then create even broader inroads for women to comfortably enter the military and excel while serving our country.

In light of the current issues that are being pondered by politicians, which will have a major impact on women, it is incumbent upon all women to act in their own best interest and weigh-in on the 2014 midterm elections so that their voices will be heard.  They must begin right now – if they haven’t already done so – to follow politics and incorporate the same kind of vigilance, tenacity and determination into their quest for justice that Ruth Moore demonstrated for decades during her struggle.

Eulus Dennis – author, Operation Rubik’s Cube and Living Between The Line