A Simple Request

Published in The Journal Record
December 28, 2011

The smart ones among us do what our mothers ask. Besides the fact that our mothers often know best, it simply makes life easier if we comply with their instructions.

History was changed in 1920 because of a mother’s simple request. Suffragettes had been working for decades to obtain the vote for women. The 19th Amendment had been passed by Congress and ratified by enough states, save one, to secure passage. All that was needed was the Tennessee legislature to approve the Amendment and it would become law.

It appeared, however, the “no” votes would prevail and the Amendment would not be confirmed until a young legislator named Harry Burns switched his vote. The reason for the sudden change? His mother, Febb, sent him a note the day before that he should not “forget to be a good boy” and reconsider his vote. Being a dutiful son, Harry changed his vote and the 19th Amendment became law. Continue reading →