Elizabeth Cady Stanton on law making.

“To make laws that man can not, and will not obey, serves to bring all law into contempt.”

– Elizabeth Cady Stanton

Elizabeth Cady Stanton (1815-1902) was an advocate of women’s rights and an abolitionist. Together with Susan B. Anthony she founded the National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA) in 1869. In 1890 NWSA merged with the rival American Woman Suffrage Association to form the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA). Stanton became the first president of NAWSA. After the passage of the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution in 1920, NAWSA morphed into the League of Women Voters.
Elizabeth Cady Stanton wrote influential essays and books and gave numerous lectures supporting the cause of women’s rights.

Colin Powell on effort by average people.

“The healthiest competition occurs when average people win by putting in above-average effort.”

– Colin Powell

Colin Powell (born 1937) served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1989 to 1993 and as Secretary of State from 2001 to 2005. He was the first African-American to hold those positions.

American Revolution Quiz

A few years ago  PBS aired a six-part series produced by Twin Cities Public Television on the American Revolution called LIBERTY! The American Revolution.

In addition to background material there is a 14 question quiz on the revolution. If you have five minutes and would like to test your knowledge of our country’s founding during this July 4th weekend then BEGIN HERE.

The site is worth exploring and features interesting bits of information. Poking through it I learned that 342 chests of tea had been dumped into Boston Harbor during the Boston Tea Party. I had never previously given any thought to the exact number of containers.

Hendrik Willem van Loon on science in public life.

“A few drops of science will often disinfect an entire barrel full of ignorance and prejudice.”

– Hendrik Willem van Loon

Hendrik Willem van Loon (1882-1944) was a Dutch born American author and journalist who is best known for his histories and children’s books.
His most famous work is The Story of Mankind which was published in 1921.